More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Flood warnings and alerts remain in place across Kent today after rain continued to lash the county overnight and some rivers have burst their banks.
On Saturday several areas close to the river Medway in Tonbridge, including sports pitches, the memorial gardens had flooded. The Environment Agency confirmed the Leigh Flood Barrier had been put into operation. It expects the nearby flood prevention areas near the barrier to reach 25% of capacity.
The Met Office says it expects more homes to flood as river levels rise across the county.
The River Darent is causing concern, with warnings covering Dartford Trade Park, the stretch from Dartford to the Thames Estuary and the area between Otford and Darenth.
The Met Office warns: "Property flooding is expected for properties close to the river."
It adds river levels at Shoreham, Eynsford, Farningham and South Darenth are high and expected to continue to rise throughout the day.
An alert is also in place in Medway between Penshurst and Hampstead Lock, with further rain today expected to spark flooding of low lying land and roads.
The weather chaos continues as dozens of homes were flooded for the third time since Christmas yesterday.
Residents in Pinks Hill, Swanley, were among those counting the cost as cars were submerged and homes pumped out.
Lorry driver Adrian Cayser, 45, of Pinks Hill, said he had been flooded for the third time since December 23.
He said: "We are under water. If you have got wellies on it's seven to eight inches up the leg.
"It's coming in the back doors and it's coming in the extension. We've got oak flooring and it's ruined. We just can't stop it."
He said he had had to take time off to deal with the latest flooding, and had spent 18 months doing up his home, which was now flood-damaged.
Neighbour Darren Cooling, 47, said he had woken up this morning to see his home under water again.
He was angry that he had not had help from relevant councils, and the water was now soaking into his walls.
"We are under water. If you have got wellies on it's seven to eight inches up the leg..." - Swanley homeowner
A flood warning was issued for parts of Kent after several drivers were trapped in their cars and water was pumped out of homes.
Firefighters yesterday were called out to more than a dozen incidents around west Kent, including Brasted, Sevenoaks, Halstead, Dunton Green, Edenbridge and Swanley.
In Halstead, four vehicles were submerged on a section of road between Pole Hill Garden Centre in London Road.
The drivers managed to free themselves before firefighters arrived.
One crew was called to Pinks Hill in Swanley to help pump away flood water affecting around eight homes.
In Brasted, firefighterspumped away flood water from a property on The Green, Brasted, while Rectory Lane was closed to allow crews to pump surface water away from around 10 more properties to prevent further damage.
Crews also pumped out water at properties in Westerham and Knockholt.
In Fawkham, three people were rescued after two cars became trapped in flood water on Scratchers Lane.
A replacement bus service ran on Southeastern between Swanley and Chatham following a landslide.
The M26 J2a coastbound slip road was closed yesterday morning because of flooding.
Traffic wanting to join the A20 was advised to use the M25 and M20.
Firefighters were called to help two drivers, one who became trapped in her vehicle in flood water and a second who became stranded after attempting to avoid flood water in Coppings Road, Hildenborough.
The road was closed between East Camp Hill and East Wood Road due to flooding.
Meanwhile, flooding left several roads around Four Elms and Edenbridge impassable.
Drivers are reminded to drive with care, be alert to the potential of surface water and residual flooding this morning and avoid driving through flood water.
Video: Firefighters help clear up flood damage
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said people should also be aware crews do not attend every incident and they should only be called for immediate assistance if there is a risk to life or serious property damage.
