Storm Ciara continues to cause problems for people in Kent
05:41, 10 February 2020
updated: 21:01, 10 February 2020
Many rail services are returning to normal in the wake of Storm Ciara but there are still problems on the roads.
The Dartford Crossing was open for those getting to work this morning but the A21 Tonbridge Bypass was closed due to flooding until 8.30am.
Train operator Southeastern says it expects to operate a normal service on most routes, but warned passengers to expect problems on the Sole Street line between Swanley and Rochester and the Bromley South line while repair works take place.
Passengers using Dartford station were unable to use the main entrance this morning but it has since reopened.
The River Thames has overflown on to Gravesend Promenade, much to the delight of the swans.
Video footage shows water cascading over the banks.
Gravesend Promenade. Credit: Alan Carr
Trees caused disruption on the rail lines this morning and shut several roads.
Levels of the River Medway are also exceptionally high with water running in to the car park of businesses at Medway City Estate.
The KentOnline car park has been flooded
A large branch on the line is delaying services between Ramsgate and St Pancras and there was also a tree on the line at Wadhurst, which has now been removed.
Southern says a tree blocking the line means trains are running at a reduced speed between Ashford International and Ore.
KMTV report as Storm Ciara continues to lash Kent
Kent County Council says Elvington Lane in Hawkinge is closed between Gibraltar Lane & Crete Road West due to a fallen tree. UK Power Networks will be attending a fallen tree in Hunton, West Street.
Drivers parked in Riverside car park in Chatham have been told to move their vehicles as soon as possible. It's been temporarily closed for safety reasons as high winds are causing debris to fall.
The Port of Dover reopened for ferry crossings late last night after being closed for most of Sunday and says traffic is currently flowing well.
P&O Ferries says all services are currently operating on schedule
UK Power Networks has dealt with 14,107 properties without power in the south east this morning and 1,606 of them are in Kent.
The company said in a statement: "We understand how difficult it is to be without electricity and our teams are working hard to get everyone back on supply as quickly as is safely possible.
"Our engineers have already restored the majority of power supplies affected by the storym and we are helping families in vulnerable circumstances who are without power."
The emergency power cut helpline can be reached by calling 105.
In Tenterden a swimming pool has shut after the roof was damaged, while flash floods have hit Faversham.
In Chatham the Pentagon Centre has closed due to flooding.
Storm Ciara caused chaos throughout Kent yesterday, with two major routes shut due to the extreme weather, while Channel crossings were also suspended as the Port of Dover closed.
Recycling centres were closed but this morning Medway recycling confirmed Cuxton, Capstone and Hoathway have reopened.
Leeds Castle was also forced to close but the grounds are open today. The Princess Alexandra Gardens and the golf course remain closed.
Forecasters say today will remain windy with a mix of sunshine and showers and highs of 9c.
Hear more about how Storm Ciara has hit Kent in our daily news podcast
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