Floods in Gravesend and Swanscombe have made roads impassable following heavy rain yesterday and overnight.

Images posted on Facebook show cars struggling to make their way through standing water in Southfleet Road and Stanhope Road, Swanscombe.

Part of the taxi rank on the road outside Gravesend station was also underwater in one picture posted by a commuter at 6am.

Bands of often heavy rain, accompanied by strong northeasterly winds, hit southern and eastern parts of England through Sunday night and are likely to continue today, according to the Met Office..

The rain will clear from the southeast by lunchtime, but further heavy, slow moving and potentially thundery showers are likely, leading to a risk of further localised flooding.

Maria Austen, 47, lives in Stanhope Road in Swanscombe, where the floodwater was up to a foot high early this morning.

The grandmother-of-two said: “It’s really sad. I looked out of my window and saw children trying to get to school with water up to their calves.

“It really is horrendous. Luckily we have got a long drive but our neighbours next door but one have actually been trapped in the house.

“It’s been going over the door seals of the cars.

“It’s been like this for 30 years since I’ve been living here.

“We have reported it again and again but it hasn’t been sorted.”

News Shopper is awaiting a comment from Kent County Council. 

Kent Police is warning motorists to take extra care as the heavy rain has led to a high number of collisions and road incidents in the county.

A number of collisions have involved skidding, which can be avoided by reducing speed and keeping more distance.

Tips to stay safe:

  • Allow extra time and plan your journey, trying to avoid areas prone to flooding
  • Check windscreen wiper blades are working properly before you set off
  • Carry a mobile phone in case you encounter any difficulties
  • Use dipped headlights to be seen by other road users
  • Reduce your speed and keep even more distance between you and the vehicle in front
  • Beware of large and fast moving vehicles which cause more spray and reduce visibility
  • Driving too fast through standing water can lead to aquaplaning where your tyres lose contact with the road

Have you been affected by the heavy rain? Call 01689 885702, e-mail your pics to tim.macfarlan@london.newsquest.co.uk or tweet @NewsShopperTim