Services have resumed after a train hit a tree which has fallen onto a railway line.

The Southeastern train suffered “significant damage” after it crashed into the tree, which had fallen onto the line, between Rainham and Newington at around 6.30am.

The incident happened amid warnings from the Met Office predicting heavy rain and strong winds this morning.

Services were brought to a standstill with all lines blocked between Rainham and Sittingbourne, but the line has now been cleared.

A spokesperson for Southeastern said: "Earlier this morning one of our trains was damaged after it struck a fallen tree between Sittingbourne and Newington.

"Engineers worked with onboard staff to re-open the line and services are running again.

"We are sorry for the disruption caused by this incident. Anyone delayed by more than 15 minutes can claim Delay Repay compensation on our website."

Last night a flood warning was issued by the Environment Agency (EA) across a stretch of the county’s coastline about the risks of flooding caused by high tides.

Areas along the north Kent coast from Kemsley, near Sittingbourne, to Seasalter near Whitstable were expected to be affected.

Areas on Sheppey including Sheerness, Minster, Queenborough and Leysdown, were also deemed to be at risk, according to weather forecasters.

Storm Lilian’ has been ripping through the north of the country since yesterday.

It is expected to clear in the south northeastwards with "blustery showers and sunny spells to follow". Rain is expected again in the south in the early hours of tomorrow.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “Storm Lilian will bring some potentially damaging gusts during Friday morning, with gusts widely in the 50-60mph range, with the possibility of some gusts in excess of 75mph in a few places.

“Lilian will move into the North Sea on Friday morning, with reducing winds and scattered showers following for most, though further rain is likely in southern England by the end of the day.”