Storm Eunice: 17,000 homes powerless and rail disruption continues

More than 17,000 homes remain without power across the south-east of England following Storm Eunice.

Some residents have been without power since Friday morning and others in Sussex have been told power may not resume until 23:00 GMT on Monday.

Network Rail said train services across Kent and Sussex were still affected by storm damage.

It comes as the Met Office issues a yellow warning for wind for the region until Monday.

UK Power Networks said it anticipated "the vast majority of customers" would see power return by Sunday evening.

It added that some customers had been without power for longer because of "extensive damage" caused to overhead power lines by 80mph (129km/h) winds.

There were still 5,800 homes in East Sussex, 3,100 homes in West Sussex and 8,000 homes in Kent without power.

Network Rail Southern said the knock-on effects of Eunice were still being felt on the trains with routes in Kent and Sussex still affected by fallen trees a failed power supplies.

The Canterbury to Dover line remains closed due to overhanging trees but the operator said it expected all lines to reopen later on Sunday, except the Hastings to Tunbridge Wells which was aiming for "a Monday start to that route".

In Robertsbridge, East Sussex, some residents have been without power since midday on Friday, with others also facing water supply problems because electrical pumps have failed.

The Darvell Bruderhof, a local religious community, have donated generators to businesses to enable them to operate and offer food and supplies to locals. They have also welcomed neighbours into their community to share facilities and give out hot meals.

Bernard Hibbs, from the Darvell Bruderhof, said: "We happen to have a generator up here so we've been cooking meals for people, we've had hot tea and coffee available and anything people have needed."

"Some people have been really cold so [have been] coming here to warm up or recharge their mobile phones. A lot of people live in old houses around here that are very chilly when the power goes off. It's been a tough couple of days for people in the village."

Kent Fire and Rescue Service continue to urge road users to take care on rural roads as trees continue to fall as the windy weather persists.

Kent County Council (KCC) said: "KCC Highways alone received over 500 reports of storm damage on Kent's local road network in just 24 hours over Friday into Saturday."

It added people should "remain vigilant as the weather remains unsettled and some strong winds could still cause disruption into next week".

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