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Flood alerts issued for Upper River Medway, Upper River Stour and River Beult as heavy rain expected

14:39, 10 December 2023

Flood alerts have been issued across Kent for the second day this week as more rain is expected.

The warnings for the Upper River Medway, Upper River Stour and River Beult are in place until later this evening (December 10).

The flood alerts in place for the Upper River Stour and River Beult. Picture: Environment Agency
The flood alerts in place for the Upper River Stour and River Beult. Picture: Environment Agency

Although river levels are falling following yesterday's heavy downpours, the Environment Agency is expecting them to rise again as further rain is forecast for this afternoon.

The government organisation is warning people to avoid using low-lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and not to attempt to walk or drive through flood water.

Flooding is expected on roads close to the Upper River Medway, particularly around Forest Row, Ashurst, Hartfield, Penshurst and around Balls Greene.

It is also thought to affect areas along the River Beult, from Bethersden and Pluckley to Stile Bridge, and its tributaries around Smarden, Headcorn, Staplehurst and Hawkenbury.

People are being advised to avoid low-lying paths today. Stock picture
People are being advised to avoid low-lying paths today. Stock picture

Communities on the Great Stour from Charing Heath to the A2070 including Ashford, East Stour, Whitewater and Ruckinge Dykes and the Aylesford Stream, could also flood.

The Environment Agency will be monitoring rainfall and river levels and checking for blockages.

After this afternoon's rainfall, tomorrow is expected to be largely dry.

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