Storm hits travel and causes power outages in Kent

Strong winds due to Storm Bert have uprooted trees and caused travel disruption and power outages across Kent.

Officials warned that disruption to rail, road, air and ferry services were likely, as well as possible damage to buildings, power cuts and danger to life.

Railway services continue to be affected after a fallen tree blocked the line at Penshurst at about 10:15 GMT.

Services between Redhill and Tonbridge were suspended, but the tree has since been removed and the line has opened.

“We are working on bringing services back, however, this will take us some time,” a Southern spokesperson said at about 13:00.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for wind until 21:00 GMT, with gusts of up to 50mph (80km/h) expected in some areas.

Southeastern said the severe weather had also caused disruption between Sevenoaks and Tonbridge.

The Port of Dover said the “rough” sea conditions in the English Channel were caused by a south westerly force eight gale.

“Visibility is poor, but freight and tourist traffic is running normally,” a spokesperson said.

A number of homes have also been left without power across Kent.

UK Power Networks said the outages had been caused by an ash tree falling on to a power line in rural Kent.

Homes and businesses in areas including Blean, Godmersham and Chartham have been affected.

UK Power Networks has been contacted for clarification as to the number of properties affected and when the issues are expected to be resolved.

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Meanwhile, Kent Fire and Rescue Service said it had been receiving a high volume of calls regarding trees falling down on roads during Storm Bert.

“Unless it is an emergency, please call Kent County Council for local roads, or for motorways call National Highways South East who will be able to assist,” a spokesperson said.

Due to the severe weather conditions, Canterbury Cathedral and its precincts have closed for the day.

Services of worship will still take place, with entry via Postern Gate and up the Dean’s Steps, a cathedral spokesperson said.

The festive fair at Margate lifeboat station, due to be held on Sunday, has been rescheduled for 1 December due to the weather.

The Met Office said the strong winds were likely to cause “dangerous coastal conditions”.

Officials warned of a small chance of injuries from flying debris and from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties.

More than 200 flood alerts are in place across the UK, while about 350,000 homes had lost power, though most have been reconnected.

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