Flood alert remains for River Darent in Dartford 

Where is it?

The flood alert issued by the Environment Agency is in place for the River Darent from Westerham to Dartford, including Brasted, Sundridge, Chipstead, Dunton Green, Otford, Eynsford and South Darenth.

According to the Environment Agency, river levels are continuing to rise on the lower River Darent as a result of heavy rainfall on Thursday.

A yellow weather warning was in place on Thursday for rain affecting large parts of south England, including the Dartford area.

The Environment Agency has advised that flooding to low lying land and roads remains possible in the Hawley area, although the risk of flooding in the Westerham and Otford areas has since reduced.

Standing water may remain on fields and low lying land that were previously flooded.

The agency has predicted that river levels will peak today and begin to fall slowly overnight.

Although further rain has been cast over the next two days, it is not believed that it will lead to river levels rising further.

A statement on The Environment Agency website said: “Our incident rooms are open and we are closely monitoring the situation.”

Further updates are expected today (January 6) at 9pm or if the situation changes.

What to do?

People are being advised to avoid using low lying footpaths and bridges near watercourses while the alert is in place.

People are also being advised to not walk or drive through flood water should flooding occur.