Kent residents are preparing for significant travel delays and potential property damage as a band of heavy rain is forecast to sweep across the county on Thursday. The severe weather warning issued by the Met Office highlights the likelihood of flooding and widespread disruption to services.
Authorities warn that the rainfall could lead to substantial consequences, affecting homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure.
- Flooding Risk: Flooding is likely to affect a number of homes and businesses across the area.
- Travel Chaos: Bus and train services are expected to be impacted, with journey times significantly extended. Motorists should anticipate longer travel times due to spray and surface water flooding on roads.
- Power & Services: Interruption to power supplies and other essential services is considered likely.
The county is set to experience heavy precipitation, particularly over elevated areas.
- Rainfall: Most areas within the warning zone, which includes much of the South and West of the county are expected to receive 15-25 mm of rain. However, the forecast indicates that 40-60 mm could fall in some localised spots, particularly over the Downs.
- Winds: The rain will be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts potentially exceeding 50 mph in exposed coastal areas, which could worsen the overall impact.
- Timeline: The heavy rain is expected to affect southern counties of England throughout Thursday before clearing to the east by the end of the day.