A train in Kent has hit a tree on Saturday morning in the aftermath of Storm Eunice.
Fortunately, the train was not in service – but line between Swanley and Rochester is now blocked, after the incident at Longfield.
A second fallen tree, this time at Kearsney, has blocked the line between Dover Priory and Faversham via Canterbury East in either direction.
Trees are also blocking lines at Maidstone Barracks, Maidstone East, Broadstairs and Hastings.
And multiple rail franchises are urging passengers not to travel.
It comes after the county was battered by extremely strong winds yesterday.
The Met Office initially issued an amber warning covering most of the country today, but this was upgraded overnight to a rare red warning for London and the South East.
It is the highest-possible warning that the Met Office can issue and means that disruption and impact from the storm is high likely.
READ MORE: QEII Bridge to close as Kent braces for Storm Eunice
It comes as 10,000 homes were reconnected by Northern Powergrid and 1,000 properties had no lights on Thursday morning (February 17) in the wake of Storm Dudley.
Transport services are also set to be disrupted throughout the county, with Southeastern urging passengers to “work from home or postpone your journey if you can”.
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Trains will run on a 50mph speed limit across most of the network from the start of service until at least 6pm, while other services have been cancelled.
There will also be disruption on the M25 as the Dartford Crossing will close from 5am in advance of forecast strong winds.
Traffic will instead be diverted via the tunnels, but long delays are likely.
Drivers, particularly those in high-sided HGVs, caravans and motorcycles, have been urged by National Highways to check the weather and driving conditions before setting out on their journey.
Amber weather warning extended for Kent
(Image: Met Office)
The storm will bring a period of very strong winds that “could cause significant disruption,” with gusts of 60-70mph set to be felt across the county.
The most severe high winds will likely arrive between 9am-2pm.
National Highways Head of Service Delivery, Sean Martell, said: “We’re encouraging drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before setting off on journeys and consider if their journey is necessary and can be delayed until conditions improve.
“If you do intend to travel, then plan your trip and take extra care, allowing more time for your journey.
“In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes so we’d advise drivers of these vehicles to slow down.”
Road users are being advised to follow messages on any overhead signs and listen to radio updates. Further information can be found by visiting www.trafficengland.com or calling the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
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Follow our live updates in our blog below as we get the latest on how Storm Eunice is affecting Kent.
https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/live-storm-eunice-kent-weather-6675931
