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Flood alerts still in place across Kent and warning issued for Medway

11:21, 05 January 2022

updated: 18:49, 05 January 2022

A flood warning and alerts were issued in Kent as high spring tides and strong winds were expected.

Earlier, the Environment Agency urged residents who believe they were at risk to take action to protect themselves and their property.

Faversham Creek burst its banks yesterday
Faversham Creek burst its banks yesterday

Multiple alerts were also issued across the county, which is a less severe category than a warning and means flooding is possible, and have since been lifted – although a couple remain in place.

Areas impacted included Faversham, Whitstable, Sheerness, Herne Bay, Thanet, Dover, Gravesend and Dartford. Most of the alerts were lifted just after 5pm.

The EA issued a warning for the Tidal River Medway and Medway Estuary area today due to the high tide expected between 12.15pm and 4.15pm.

"We expect flooding to affect locations nearest the estuary, in particular around Lower Upnor, Canal Road, Strood and outer parts of the Medway Estuary," the EA said.

"Coastal conditions are expected to improve from 4.15pm onwards.

The flood warning issued in the Medway area. Picture: Environment Agency
The flood warning issued in the Medway area. Picture: Environment Agency

"We are closely monitoring the situation and our incident response staff are checking our defences and structures and are prepared to respond when required.

"Please take action to protect yourself and your property if you believe you are at risk. Be careful along beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads near the water."

Flood alerts were issued across the Kent coastline.

One for the Isle of Sheppey and the coast between Kemsley and Seasalter - with areas of concern including Faversham, Conyer and low lying land nearest the sea – was lifted at 5.14pm.

It comes after three people were rescued by fire crews yesterday after they were left stranded in a flooded road in Faversham.

Barriers were placed outside the Quay restaurant in Faversham yesterday
Barriers were placed outside the Quay restaurant in Faversham yesterday
Flooding in Faversham. Picture: @KentPoliceSwale
Flooding in Faversham. Picture: @KentPoliceSwale
Flooding in Faversham. Picture: @KentPoliceSwale
Flooding in Faversham. Picture: @KentPoliceSwale

The trio got caught out in deep water while driving along North Lane, near to the Shepherd Neame brewery, as the town's creek burst its banks in the early afternoon.

The coast from Ramsgate to Kingsdown and from St Margaret's-at-Cliffe and Sandgate still have alerts in place.

They will remain ahead of the next high tide at 1.15am tomorrow (Thursday).

Flooding to roads and low lying land is expected but these conditions may apply two to four hours either side of high tide.

Another flood alert remains in force in Strood, Upnor and other low lying areas of the Medway Estuary - with conditions expected to improve after 4.15pm.

The coast between Dartford and Allhallows also had an alert in place, with areas of concern including Royal Pier Road in Gravesend and low-lying land nearest the sea.

High tides were expected at 2.15pm and conditions were expected to improve from 4.15pm.

Minor flooding of low lying land along the River Medway in the Maidstone area was expected between 2pm and 4pm today.

Riverside footpaths from Lock Meadow to Allington Lock were expected to be impacted.

Levels were expected to be high between Dartford Creek and The Mardyke to the Thames Barrier.

The high river levels are as a result of spring tides and a closure of the Thames Barrier.

For more information, visit the Environment Agency's website here.

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