Flood alerts has been issued by the Environment Agency as heavy rain is expected to continue this weekend.

The alerts warn of possible flooding near the Upper River Medway from Forest Row to Penshurst, including Ashurst as water levels are rising.

The authority is asking residents to be prepared and to start acting on their "flood plans" if they have one, and to avoid using low lying footpaths or entering areas prone to flooding.

As of Saturday morning, there are 100 flood warnings and 170 flood alerts issued across the UK.

It comes as heavy rain and blustery winds are set to batter much of the UK this weekend followed by a period of potentially severe cold weather next week.

The Met Office has issued a flood alert for the River Stour from Charing Heath to the A2070 in Ashford and the Aylesford stream.
Residents in the River Teise area from Lamberhurst to Goudhurst, including the River Bewl and tributaries of the River Teise, are being told to expect flooding.

People in and around Maidstone, East Farleigh, Wateringbury, Teston, Tovil and Yalding have also been told to expect flooding.

And flooding is also possible for the Rivers Eden and Eden Brook and Kent Ditch from Blindley Heath to Penshurst including Edenbridge and Hever.

The weather company has issued yellow warnings for rain for Wales and many parts of England which are in place night until midday.

As the weekend comes to an end, a cold weather alert will be in place with a 70% probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions or heavy snow between 6pm on Sunday and 9am on Thursday in parts of England.

“This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services,” the Met Office said.

“Please refer to the national Cold Weather Plan and your trust’s emergency plan for appropriate preventive action.”

Forecasters said northerly winds will develop through today (Sunday) and into Monday, bringing colder air across much of the country.

The Met Office triggers a yellow cold weather alert as soon as the risk is 60% or above for any of the thresholds to be breached.