High winds cause travel disruption

Engineers were brought in to cut up a tree which was left strewn across a road.

It fell on the A252 in Challock on Tuesday afternoon as Storm Gareth battered the county.

Traffic was disrupted for a short while as the obstruction was cleared.

Over the weekend, gale force winds brought down trees and forced the closure of several key roads across Kent.

Strong winds led to the closure of the Dartford Crossing and the Sheppey Crossing and shut the A249 between Key Street Roundabout and M2 junction 5.

Shoppers had to be evacuated as the Tesco store at Westwood Cross was closed due to roof damage caused by high winds.

The new Dover District Leisure centre was forced to close after the roof of a neighbouring business has been damaged.

Another victim of wind damage was a petrol station in Grove Green that was left with parts of the roof flapping around.

Homeowners had a lucky escape after high winds brought down a 40ft tree.

A fallen tree was blocking the main road between Herne Bay and Canterbury.

Church-goers in Whistable had a lucky escape after a tree came down at the entrance minutes before a service was due to start.

Southeastern said trees came down or are hanging dangerous over the line in Deal, Rainham, Snodland, Canterbury, Dover, Harrietsham, Broadstairs, Farningham Road, Sole Street, Dumpton Park, and in Elmers End and trains have been limited to 50mph across the whole network due to high winds.

To report fallen trees, contact Kent County Council Highways on 03000 419191.

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