Stay #weatheraware as wet and windy conditions sweep in

Residents should check routes before travelling and allow extra time for journeys as recent calm conditions give way to a period of very unsettled, disruptive weather.

Met Office wind warnings are in force for the Kent coast today and for the whole of Kent and Medway on Friday when Storm Éowyn barrels across the UK.

Further warnings for wind on Sunday, and for rain on Sunday into Monday morning’s rush hour for parts of the county, also signal driving conditions are likely to be tricky in some areas – and there may be delays and cancellations on the transport network.

The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) is urging people to:

• HELP HM Coastguard by staying away from seafronts as gusts of up to 60mph will create powerful waves and sea spray
• KEEP well clear of power lines and report damaged lines to the UK Power Networks 24-hour hotline 0800 31 63 105
• CHECK if you qualify for free extra help in the event of a power failure, and if eligible sign up to the UK Power Networks Priority Services Register at Storm Prepare
• REPORT fallen trees to Kent County Council’s hotline 03000 419191 and log issues on the roads with Kent County Council’s highways team online at www.kent.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/report-a-problem

The KMRF brings together a range of organisations and agencies involved in responding to emergencies to help protect Kent and Medway communities.

KMRF’s Tactical Lead Andy Jeffery said: “There’s always uncertainty with weather and, whilst we should avoid the worst of Storm Éowyn, we could still see wind speeds of around 60mph in some exposed areas over the next 48 hours. We’re also keeping a close eye on the forecast for the weekend and into the start of the new working week.

“As we routinely do, the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum is taking guidance from the Met Office and working together to ensure everyone is prepared as they can be.

“Many partners, including Kent County Council and UK Power Networks, have extra staff available during this period to respond quickly to any issues. Environment Agency teams have also been out clearing trash screens to help ensure rivers can flow and reduce any flood risk.

“In turn, we ask that residents keep up to date with the forecast and travel advice and help the emergency services by not risking their life and others for that extreme-weather selfie.”

Everyone can keep #weatheraware by visiting the Met Office website or following the Met Office on social media including Facebook, You Tube and X.

Drivers can keep up to date with the latest travel information by following @KCCHighways and National Highways South East via @HighwaysSEAST on X.

Train and ferry users should check with their travel operator before setting off. Useful accounts to follow include: @LeShuttle_Help @PoD_travelnews @Se_Railway and @SouthernRailUK

For the latest flood risk for where you live, and to sign up for free flood warnings, visit www.gov.uk/check-flooding. Follow @EnvAgencySE on X for the latest flood updates.

Further information

There’s lots of tips for staying safe in severe weather on the Kent Prepared website – visit: www.kentprepared.org.uk.

Ordering repeat prescriptions for yourself or vulnerable friends and relatives in plenty of time can also save you trips to the pharmacy when the weather is bad.