A yellow weather warning is in place for Kent with wind gusts of more than 65mph set to batter parts of the county. The Met Office's warning has been in place since a few minutes after midnight today (January 1).

Winds around the coast will see the strongest surges of up to 67mph, with inland speeds up to 59pmh. Travel could be affected on the road and railway, along with for those flying or taking ferries.

People are being advised to check their routes before heading out, whichever way they intend to travel. Yesterday evening (December 31), speed on the Dartford Crossing was brought down to 30mph.

People should also be aware there's a chance of power cuts, flying debris, and material being thrown onto beach fronts by large waves, according to forecasters. The weather warning is in place until 3pm today.

As for rain, the Met Office said this for the South East: "Persistent, locally heavy and squally, rain spreads southeast from mid-morning and will last through much of the afternoon. Very windy, with gales likely, especially on coasts, easing through the day."

What is a yellow weather warning?

The Met Office issues weather warnings, so everyone from residents to emergency responders know what weather is expected and the impact it could have. It describes what a yellow weather warning is: "Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations.

"Many are issued when it is likely that the weather will cause some low-level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places. Many people may be able to continue with their daily routine, but there will be some that will be directly impacted and so it is important to assess if you could be affected.

"Other yellow warnings are issued when the weather could bring much more severe impacts to the majority of people but the certainty of those impacts occurring is much lower. It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered by the yellow warning."

This is a live event. Follow our blog below for the latest weather updates from across the county today.

Mary Harris

Latest Met Office forecast for this evening and tonight

The Met Office said the heavy rain in the South East would gradually clear during the night. It will be much colder in the early hours and frost is forecast.

If there are isolated showers during the night, it could see ice forming. It could be as cold as -2C.

Tomorrow (Thursday) will be mostly dry across the South East and it will feel a lot colder. There may be some sun and generally light winds. Temperatures could reach 3C.

Mary Harris

Heavy rain forecast for all of Kent this afternoon

Heavy rain is forecast for all of Kent this afternoon. This Met Office map shows predicted heavy rain at 3pm.

Met Office forecasts heavy rain for this afternoon, New Year's Day, January 1 (Image: The Met Office)

The Environment Agency said there are no flood warnings or alerts for Kent. This is at 2.41pm and can of course change.

Mary Harris

Southeastern's buses replace trains due to engineering work today

Southeastern is running a Sunday timetable today, New Year's Day.

But there are routes where buses replace trains due to engineering works.

Mary Harris

Southeastern gives important information about tomorrow's trains

Southeastern has explained its train timetable for January 2, tomorrow.

Mary Harris

Fallen tree blocks A-road in Bromley

Traffic monitoring site Inrix has given this travel alert:

Baston Manor Road in Keston, both directions. Baston Manor Road in both directions blocked due to fallen tree between A232 Croydon Road and West Common Road.


Diversion - Bus Route 246.

Mary Harris

Met Office issues yellow snow warning for Kent

A snow weather warning has been issued for Kent. You can read the full story below.

Met Office issues Kent with 45-hour yellow weather warning for snow

Mary Harris

Traditional New Year's Day sea event is cancelled

An event which sees brave folk jump into the sea in Kent on January 1 had to be cancelled.

The Ramsgate new year's day dip was axed following advice. However, the good news is it has been rescheduled.

Swimmers charge towards the sea in Ramsgate (Image: Ian Scammell)

The group said:

Following warnings and advice from Ramsgate’s R.N.L.I. and the local fishing fleet, it’s with heavy hearts we have had to make the decision to postpone this years New Years Day Dip until Sunday 5th January - same timings apply.


The strong winds, chance of high waves and rough sea meant we have no choice but to put safety first and heed the advice of the respected authorities regarding the dangers this years dippers face.


Particularly when you consider last year we had over 430 dippers, of all ages, it means the safety of everyone involved in such conditions could not be guaranteed.


All the team are disappointed, but feel it’s the only right thing to do when being advised in the way we have.


We do hope you can still join us on Sunday 5th Jan The amazing team Queens Head will still be supporting and hosting the after party! Lets make it the best yet!

Mary Harris

Some of Kent's National Trust attractions closed today due to high winds

The National Trust has closed some of its attractions today due to high winds. Here they are:

Chartwell

Emmetts Garden

Sheffield Park and Gardens

Scotney Castle

Ightham Mote

Knole

Sissinghurst Castle

And over the border in East Sussex, Bodiam Castle is also shut today due to high winds.

Mary Harris

Kent Fire and Rescue Service gives guidance on who to call in extreme weather

The service said: "Please take extra care if you're heading out, and consider your call before dialling for the emergency services. If there is a risk to life, call 999."

And it shared this handy diagram on who to call in various scenarios.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service guidance on who to call in extreme weather (Image: Kent Fire and Rescue Service)
Mary Harris

One of Kent's best loved castles announces closure today due to high winds

Leeds Castle has announced it will have to close for day visitors because of current and forecast high winds.

In a statement, the castle team said:

We are truly sorry to announce that Leeds Castle will be closed to day visitors on Wednesday 1st January 2025 due to continued forecasts of high winds.


The forecasted wind speeds exceed our safety limits, significantly increasing the risk of falling branches and trees across the whole estate. This decision was not made lightly, but your safety remains our top priority.


While the Nutcracker event will also not be open, it will continue to run until 5 January 2025. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to welcome you back soon under better conditions.

However, it said it was planning to operate its Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle later on.

(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto/asmithers)
Mary Harris

Warning from National Highways

It had this advice for people heading out on a New Year's Day walk. It said high-sided lorries and motorcycles were vulnerable in high winds.

Mary Harris

Weather map for Kent shows wind speeds expected at around 10am

This Met Office weather map shows the wind gusts speeds expected around Kent at around 10am.

Kent weather map today wind speeds for 10am - from the Met Office (Image: The Met Office)
Mary Harris

Advice from Met Office for today's yellow wind warning

The Met Office gives this advice for a yellow wind warning.

There could be some disruption today due to a period of strong winds

What the impact could be

  • A small chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected
  • A slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
  • A slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage
  • A small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
  • A small chance of injuries and danger to life from flying debris
  • A small chance that some roads and bridges could close
Mary Harris

Kent County Council has issued a 'cold health alert' for next 24 hours

The council has put in place a 'cold health alert' for the county for the next 24 hours.

Mary Harris

Welcome to our live coverage

Welcome to our live coverage of this breaking incident.

We will be bringing you all the latest updates as we get them.

Do you have any information or photos? Email[email protected]

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