The Met Office has issued a 22-hour yellow weather warning for Kent, warning residents to brace for relentless heavy rain and strong winds starting 8am Monday, December 1. The downpour will pound the county until 6am Tuesday, December 2, posing a serious flood threat.
Flood Risk Across Almost All of Kent
Nearly the entire county is in the firing line, from Maidstone, Ashford, Thanet, and Canterbury to Tunbridge Wells, Folkestone, Dover, and Swale, stretching right up to the border of Medway and Gravesend. Forecasters predict 20 to 30mm of rain county-wide, with intense bursts over the North and South Downs pushing totals up to 50-60mm.
Accompanying the rain are strong winds, possibly reaching gale force, especially along the coast, increasing the risk of disruption and damage.
Warning! Flooding, Travel Chaos, and Power Outages Loom
- Flooding could hit homes and businesses hard, damaging buildings and cutting off communities by flooding roads.
- Expect dangerous driving conditions, possible road closures, and bus and train delays or cancellations.
- Power outages may occur as heavy storms batter the area.
Residents are urged to check if their properties are flood-prone and put a flood plan in place. Tips include:
- Park cars out of flood zones.
- Store valuables, important documents, and electrical devices somewhere high and safe.
- Turn off gas, water, and electricity supplies if flooding is imminent.
- Prepare an emergency kit with torches, batteries, and a phone power bank.
Before Monday arrives, showers are already expected over the weekend, with rain sometimes heavy and persistent. Sunday will be drier but colder before the storms hit in full force overnight into Monday, with Medway, Tunbridge Wells, and Ashford set to see the worst of it.
Looking Ahead: Rainy Days Ahead for the Rest of December
Long-range forecasts signal unsettled, wet weather persisting into mid-December as low-pressure systems bring showers and spells of heavy rain across the UK. While some brief dry breaks might occur, expect the wettest spells particularly in western areas, but no part of Kent is safe from a drenching.
Stay tuned and prepare now – this storm means serious business.
