After a Met Office wind warning covered Kent's coast on Thursday, another blanketed all of Kent and Medway on Friday as Storm Éowyn barrelled across the UK.
Heavy rain for Western parts of the county on Sunday into Monday could also make morning rush-hour travel tricky for some at the start of the new working week.
A risk of localised flooding is possible too as downpours will fall on already saturated ground.
During this run of wet and windy weather the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) is urging people to:
- KNOW the latest flood risk where you live. To sign up for free flood warnings, visit www.gov.uk/check-flooding
- HELP HM Coastguard by staying away from piers and promenades as gusts can drive powerful waves and spray that can sweep you out to sea
- CHECK if you qualify for free extra help in the event of a power failure, and if eligible sign up to the UK Power Networks Priority Services Register at Storm Prepare
- LOG issues on the roads with Kent County Council’s (KCC) highways team online at www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-problem
The KMRF brings together a range of organisations and agencies involved in responding to emergencies to help protect Kent and Medway communities.
“...we ask that residents keep up to date with the forecast, flood risk and travel advice and help the emergency services by not risking their life and others for that extreme-weather selfie”
Andy Jeffery, KMRF’s Tactical Lead and KCC's Head of Resilience & Emergency Planning, said: “There’s always uncertainty with weather and, whilst we have avoided the worst of Storm Éowyn, we've seen strong winds and there's more wet and blustery days to come.
“As we routinely do, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum is taking guidance from the Met Office and working together to ensure everyone is as prepared as they can be.
“Many partners, including Kent County Council and UK Power Networks, have extra staff available during this period to respond quickly to any issues. Environment Agency teams have also been out clearing trash screens to help ensure rivers can flow and reduce any flood risk.
“In turn, we ask that residents keep up to date with the forecast, flood risk and travel advice and help the emergency services by not risking their life and others for that extreme-weather selfie.”
The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum is one a over 40 local resilience forums across England
Everyone can keep #weatheraware by visiting the Met Office website or following the Met Office on social media including via Facebook, You Tube and X.
Drivers can stay up to date with the latest travel information by following @KCCHighways and National Highways South East via @HighwaysSEAST on X. For tips for driving in high winds and wet weather see this section of National Highways’ website.
Train and ferry users should check with their travel operator before setting off. Useful accounts to follow include: @LeShuttle_Help @PoD_travelnews @Se_Railway and @SouthernRailUK
Follow @EnvAgencySE on X for the latest flood updates.
Report damaged power lines to UK Power Networks 24/7 on 0800 31 63 105.
Report fallen trees to KCC on 03000 418181 during normal office hours and 03000 419191 at all other times.
Further information
- Visit Met Office and Kent Prepared for information about keeping safe in severe weather
- Ordering repeat prescriptions for yourself or vulnerable friends and relatives in plenty of time can also save you trips to the pharmacy when the weather is bad. More tips on winter health
