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Kent covered by Met Office yellow weather warning as Storm Bert brings gusts of up to 60mph

08:42, 24 November 2024

updated: 18:53, 24 November 2024

A yellow weather warning remains in place across Kent today as strong winds continue to buffet the county.

The Met Office says there is a likelihood of dangerous coastal conditions and disruption as Storm Bert brings gusts of up to 60mph for a second day.

Storm Bert is bringing a second day of high winds across Kent. Stock picture
Storm Bert is bringing a second day of high winds across Kent. Stock picture

The windy weather has caused issues on the roads and on the railway, with fallen trees the main culprits.

Earlier this morning a train struck a fallen tree in the Hildenborough area and the line towards Sevenoaks was blocked.

Trains running between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks have been affected, but the line has now reopened and services are expected to be running as usual by around 3pm.

This afternoon there was also a tree on the line at Sturry, which caused damage to a train. As a result, Southeastern services are currently suspended between Canterbury West and Ramsgate.

Trees have also caused issues on the roads. The Street in Ospringe, near Faversham, had to be closed because of a fallen tree between the A2 London Road and Newnham Lane.

Temporary two-way traffic lights are in place this afternoon on the A26 Hadlow Road in Tonbridge, between The Ridgeway and Yardley Park Road, also because of a tree that has come down.

A tree was blocking Ospringe Road, in Faversham. Picture: Cheryl Harris
A tree was blocking Ospringe Road, in Faversham. Picture: Cheryl Harris

Overnight the A251 Ashford Road at Badlesmere, between Faversham and Ashford, was also closed due to a fallen tree.

Yesterday there was also disruption to journeys on the M2 and on the railways, also caused by trees brought down by the storm.

A train hit a tree which was blocking the railway at Kemsing yesterday afternoon, and earlier in the day a tree also partially blocked the railway at Thanet Parkway.

Although conditions in the English Channel are rough, with gale-force winds, the Port of Dover has this morning said all freight and tourist traffic is running normally.

A number of events which had been due to take place in the county this weekend have also fallen victim to the weather, with organisers opting to cancel plans on health and safety grounds.

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