Heavy rain has caused traffic delays and road closures across the county this morning.

The threat of flooding also led to staff at the RSPCA animal centre in Castle Way, Leybourne, moving their population of guinea pigs this morning. They were also on alert to move the dogs, should the water level rise further.

Kent Fire Service were informed of flooding in Frittenden Road, Staplehurst, where at least one property had become water-logged, and in Birling Road, Ryarsh.

A spokesman said north and east Kent were the worst hit parts of the county.

There were also reports of flooding in Yalding, while West Street in Hunton was reported by one driver as being “near impassable” at 8am.

The Highways Agency said flooding had caused one lane to be closed on the M20 west-bound near Junction 3 at Wrotham.

The lane reopened at 9.20am.

A Highways Agency spokesman said problems had been compounded by earth slipping from the embankment between Junctions 1 and 2.

The hard-shoulder remains closed while officers establish what repair work needs to be done.