BAT ERING
Leeds Castle, Rochester Castle and Port Lympne were among attractions which opted to close while the amber weather warning was in place.
Maidstone Borough Council also announced it was shutting its parks, adding: “We do not advise you to walk underneath trees, please take care if you are out and about and watch for falling branches.”
The warnings were prudent, with Mote Park in particular falling victim to the winds. Swimmers were evacuated from the pool at Tenterden Leisure Centre following damage to the roof, but it has since been repaired.
Hundreds of homes across Kent were affected by power cuts, including Aylesford, Paddock Wood and Cranbrook. A fallen tree which fell on an overhead power line cut off electric supplies to 65 houses in the Station Road area of Cranbrook at around 4pm on Sunday. UK Power Networks sent out a support van to provide residents with Wifi and charging points at The Vicarage, Back Lane. There was also a burger truck providing free hot food and drinks for people affected.
Supplies were restored at around 6.15pm the next day.
centre received 500 calls from worried residents and motorists reporting hazards or concerns. And Ciara’s aftermath continued into Monday, with flash flooding closing the A21 Tonbridge Bypass until 8.30am. Contractors worked against the clock to pump away the excess water during the rushhour.
A fallen tree also blocked West Street in Hunton.
But as the gales died down, The Met Office revealed we could be in for a repeat this Saturday, with Storm Dennis set to strike. A yellow wind warning has been put in place from midday to midnight.