A flood alert which includes a town centre has been issued as river levels rise.

Extensive areas around Maidstone are covered by the new warning, with the rain set to continue overnight.

The Environment Agency has put the alert in place for the Lower River Medway.

It comes amid a yellow weather warning for rain which covers the whole of Kent and is in place until midnight.

Low-lying land, roads and paths are expected to flood between East Farleigh and Maidstone town centre, including Millennium Park, up to Allington Lock.

The EA warned that flooding was possible from 6pm today.

The alert covers the River Medway from Hampstead Lock at Yalding to Allington Lock, including East Farleigh, Wateringbury, Teston and Teston Park, Tovil and Maidstone including Millennium Park.

Further flooding is possible tomorrow morning as river levels will rise due to recent heavy rainfall over the Upper Medway combined with high tides.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We are closely monitoring the situation and closing flood gates.

“Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses.

“Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.”