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Flood levels start to fall but alert remains for the River Medway in Maidstone between Ditton and Yalding

By: Liane Castle lcastle@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 11:37, 29 December 2020

Updated: 12:00, 29 December 2020

Flood levels have started to ease overnight but an alert remains in place for the River Medway in Maidstone.

Heavy rainfall from Storm Bella closed roads and footpaths across several towns in Kent and three warnings and nine flood alerts were in place last night.

Flooding in Yalding from yesterday afternoon. Picture: Elevate Aerial Photography

All warnings have now been lifted and only two alerts remain with the Environment Agency urging people in Maidstone to still be prepared.

A footpath which flooded to 'waist height' yesterday remains impassable between Tovil and the town centre this morning.

The area falls under the alert for the Lower River Medway between Ditton and Yalding which is still in force as levels remain high, but the catchment is starting to drain and levels should start falling throughout the day.

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The Environment Agency adds the forecast is generally for cold, dry weather, with scattered showers until Thursday so teams will continue to monitor the situation.

Some surface water remains on several routes across the borough and the council is urging residents to take care and avoid driving through flood water where possible.

Little Venice Country Park in Yalding yesterday afternoon. Picture: Elevate Aerial Photography
A footpath between Tovil and Maidstone town centre was flooded to 'waist height'. Picture: Matt Perry

A previous alert for the River Beult around Yalding has now been lifted and water levels in the village are slowly receding.

The usual floodplains around Teapot Island and Lees Road were underwater yesterday.

Residents in the village say the water around Little Venice Country Park has started going down but flooding remains apparent this morning around the site in Hampstead Lane.

The George pub's car park was seen partially submerged yesterday.

Elsewhere in the county, an alert remains for the Tidal River Stour area from Fordwich to Stonar Cut near Sarre.

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Levels are expected to peak around midday and teams from the Environment Agency will be operating in the area at lunchtime.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued by the Met Office for the majority of Kent starting from 10am tomorrow, until 6am on Thursday.

It says there is a small chance of disruption to roads, and delays to buses and trains are possible.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone

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