Kentish Express Ashford & District
70mph winds as Storm Bella hits borough
Heavy wind and rain caused damage and chaos across the county on Sunday as Storm Bella proved an uninvited Christmas guest.
The storm blew in overnight and left trees and powerlines down across Kent as well as forcing the closure of the QEII Bridge at Dartford.
Roads across the region were flooded as well as many homes.
Just before 11am on Sunday, two fire engines were sent to Stanhope Road, Ashford, where a car had become stranded in flood water.
Crews used water rescue poles and lifejackets to safely rescue one person from the vehicle.
A fire service spokesman said: “We’re reminding residents never drive through flood water – it can often look deeper than it looks.”
The Met Office says the top wind speed was recorded at the Needles on the Isle of
Wight where it reached 106mph overnight on Saturday.