Storm Eunice

Update from Sevenoaks District Council:

The advice that the Met Office has provided tells us that Kent should prepare for winds of up to 80mph between the hours of 10am and 4pm tomorrow. The worst gusts are anticipated to be from mid-morning to early afternoon (11am to 2pm). The Met Office believe this will be the worst storm to hit Kent since 1990.

Travel, by road and train, is highly likely to be disrupted, there is potential for damage to homes and properties, loss of power and power cuts and the risk of falling trees and other debris.

The Amber weather warning issued by the Met Office is clear that this also means there is a danger to life.(Update to RED)

As a result, we have had to take some difficult, and exceptional, decisions for the safety of our residents and staff in relation to our services tomorrow.

We will be asking all but critical staff to not travel tomorrow and to work from home.

All non-essential or non-urgent visits that would normally take place in the District will be postponed. This will affect services including parking enforcement, planning, licensing and environmental health.

All usual work activities from Dunbrik will be suspended on Friday, including refuse collections, as the forecast winds mean it will not be sufficiently safe for our refuse freighters to be on the roads. A sufficient number of Depot staff will be present at work and providing an emergency response where it is required.

We have to also ensure that all services that may be involved in an emergency response are prepared for that eventuality, should it be required.

The housing team are also prepared should people require emergency accommodation should their homes be damaged.

Our Council Offices will be opened tomorrow and reception will be covered for those with urgent or emergency needs to visit us.