Heavy rain has triggered flood alerts in towns and villages across Kent today.

Problems have been reported in Maidstone, Aylesford, Yalding, Hadlow, Harrietsham, Birling, Minster and Canterbury.

More downpours are expected and residents have been put on alert, while motorists are being urged to take care and stay up to date about the conditions.

Nikki Rayfield, from Birling, said she was unable to get home after a series of flooded roads isolated the village.

She said: "There are cars just stranded on the roads. One car is stuck in a culvert on Birling Road, and the water is right up to its passenger windows.

"We tried to get to the village through Ryarsh and that was flooded too."

Kent Fire and Rescue said it had received reports of flooding across Kent and said firefighters had been sent to help pump floodwater in Aylesford.

But people were warned only to dial 999 for emergencies, after many residents called to ask for help with flooded gardens.

Assistant director of operations, Steve Griffiths, said: “Drivers should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords. The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded.

“Following a flood in your home, make sure all electrical circuits are fully dried out and checked by an electrical engineer before switching back on and if you are without power, please take when using candles, never leave them unattended.”

The Environment Agency has also been helping keep flooding to a minimum.

Regional duty manager Andrew Pearce said: "We're getting reports from Aylesford, Harrietsham and along the North Kent coast, near the small streams running off high ground.

"There's a combination of small streams being charged by water and reports of surface flooding.

"We've got guys out on the ground manning pumps and liaising with the local authorities."

More information at the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or contact 0845 988 1188.

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