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Kent weather: Heavy snow will fall this week

Heavy snow is set to fall in parts of Kent tomorrow after a yellow weather warning was extended.

An update by the Met Office has revealed where in the county could be hit hardest by this week's forecast.

Snow scenes and sledging at Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells in 2018. Picture: Matthew Walker
Snow scenes and sledging at Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells in 2018. Picture: Matthew Walker

The service issued an yellow weather warning for snow and ice, which came into force yesterday at 9pm and will be in place until 10am today.

But a second one has been issued and will be in place between midnight and 9am on Thursday.

It was extended this morning to cover all of the county.

Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office activated a level three cold weather alert across the south east yesterday, which is in place until 11.59pm on Thursday.

Heavy snow is set to fall in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks tomorrow evening but many other areas will just get sleet, according to the Met Office.

Kent County Council (KCC) is urging residents to look out for vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours as the temperature could plummet to -3C in some areas.

Snow at Mote Park in Maidstone in 2018. Picture: Matthew Walker
Snow at Mote Park in Maidstone in 2018. Picture: Matthew Walker

The local authority warns that widespread frosts, ice and wintry showers are all likely.

The Met Office is forecasting heavy snow tomorrow evening from 5pm in Tunbridge Wells and 6pm in Sevenoaks.

Meanwhile, experts predict Canterbury and Ashford will see sleet tomorrow evening - after earlier forecasting it could have some snow.

Dartford and Dover will miss the snow this week and will see sleet showers tomorrow evening.

And Medway, Thanet and Sheerness will be stuck with sleet tomorrow evening after the Met Office earlier predicted there was a small chance of snow arriving in the areas.

Snow in Ferndale Road, Gillingham in 2018
Snow in Ferndale Road, Gillingham in 2018

In December, heavy snow caused disruption across the county, with accidents on several roads.

On Monday, the temperatures dropped below the average for this time of year, especially overnight.

Kent County Council (KCC) director of public health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: "Cold weather can affect any of us. But the elderly and frail, and people with underlying health problems, are at greater risk of its potential impacts, which range from heart attacks and flu to falls, injuries and hypothermia.

"That is why it is vital that during this spell of low temperatures, and icy and frosty conditions, people keep themselves and their homes warm – even if this is just by heating the bedroom and living room.

"We also urge residents to look after vulnerable family and neighbours, and to assist their local community. Taking steps to stay warm and work with others can make a life-changing difference."

A single plough works away to keep the M20 coastbound free of snow in 2010
A single plough works away to keep the M20 coastbound free of snow in 2010

Nationally, there are thousands of excess winter deaths every year. Severe cold weather alerts, issued jointly by the Met Office and UKHSA, trigger actions across the NHS, public health, social care and other community organisations, to support vulnerable people with health issues.

Kate Langford, chief medical officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: "Staying warm during cold weather is really important and there are simple steps we can all take to help ourselves and vulnerable friends and family.

"Cold weather can make some health problems worse and some people may need extra help during the winter. Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling unwell."

If you need NHS help and you’re not sure where to go, visit www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk for a list of local services, including urgent treatment centres.

For tips about how to keep yourself and others safe during cold snaps, visit www.kent.gov.uk/winterhealth.

Advice includes heating the rooms you use to at least 18°C if you can, as this reduces the risk to health of someone wearing suitable winter clothing.

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