Three people have been rescued from a car after torrential rain hit the county this afternoon.

Emergency services remain in Chestfield Road in Whitstable after heavy downpours forced police to close the road.

Drivers are being told to avoid the area as fire crews continue to work at the scene.

A fire service spokesman said: "We have been called to reports of a vehicle stranded in flood water in Chestfield, Whitstable.

“Two fire engines are in attendance, and crews wearing dry suits are working to help the occupants of the car to safety.

“The road is impassable. People are advised to avoid the area and to check for traffic updates before travelling.

“Drivers should always avoid driving through flood water, as it can often be a lot deeper than it looks.

“Please share this advice with anyone in the affected area, who might not have access to the internet.”

The downpours earlier today have caused multiple flood warnings with river levels rising on the Upper Medway.

In the Esplanade in Rochester, a black Vauxhall Corsa was abandoned as water levels rose.

Flooding is forecast to affect low-lying land and roads around Forest Row, Ashurst, Hartfield, Penshurst, and around Balls Green.

Heavy showers are expected to continue this evening and will continue tomorrow.

An alert was also issued for the tidal River Stour area from Fordwich to Stonar Cut at midday today.

Spring tides over the next two days could see further flooding alerts.

Locations near the River Stour around Grove Ferry, Plucks Gutter and Stodmarsh could be affected.

Areas around River Darent from Westerham to Dartford were also issued alerts at 3pm.

Alerts were also issued due to the possibility of flooding of low-lying land and roads along Swalecliffe and West Brooks rivers, particularly around Herne Bay and Swalecliffe Brook at 3.45pm.

However, around the River Darrent, Swalecliffe and West Brooks rivers, it is expected to be dry tomorrow.

Kent County Council tweeted: “We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages in the area.

“Avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

“This message will be updated by 9am tomorrow, or as the situation changes.”