A flood alert has been issued following heavy rainfall across Kent.

The Environment Agency has put out a warning for the Lower River Medway tonight amid rising water levels.

The authority says residents across Maidstone should be prepared for possible flooding.

An eight-mile stretch from Hampstead Lock at Yalding to Allington Lock near Ringlestone, is expected to affect low-lying land and roads along the river from 7.30pm.

Places predicted to be affected by the conditions include East Farleigh, Wateringbury, Teston and Teston Park, Tovil and Millennium Park.

A statement released by the agency said: "River levels are rising as a result of heavy rainfall on Monday morning.

"[Although] flooding of properties is not expected, we expect river levels to continue to rise in Maidstone into the early hours of Tuesday morning and are likely to remain high until Tuesday afternoon.

"Further rainfall showers are possible on Tuesday morning, but are not expected to cause any additional flooding.

"Our incident response staff are actively monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond if required.

"Please avoid using low-lying footpaths near local watercourses."

An update on the conditions is expected by 10am tomorrow or as the situation changes.

The alert comes just hours after a yellow warning for thunderstorms had been issued for the county.

The Met Office says some areas across the county may experience loss of power and delays to rail services between 5am and midday on Tuesday.

It says "sudden, torrential downpours" are predicted to bring up to 20mm of rain, with thunder, lightning and gusts of winds between 40-50 mph also on the cards.

Yellow warnings can be issued for several weather situations.

Many are issued when it is likely weather will cause some low-level impacts, including some disruption to travel.

Although some may be able to continue with their daily routine, others will be directly impacted.