Flood alerts as Storm Benjamin hits South East

Sheppey Leisure Centre said its swimming pool had been closed due to a tree falling on to the building

A swimming pool in Sheerness has closed after a tree fell on to the building as Storm Benjamin wreaks havoc across the South East.

Sheppey Leisure Centre urged people to "avoid the end of Royal Road and the path running alongside the pool while the situation was managed".

They wrote on social media that a structural survey was due to take place on Friday and "until the building is deemed safe, the pool and health studio will remain closed".

They added swim lesson customers had been contacted while confirming the gym and classes were "unaffected".

Several alerts were in place across Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex, including the coast from Sandgate to Dungeness and to Farlight, the Hastings area and Climping seafront.

Sheppey Leisure Centre says a structural survey will be carried out on Friday

Alerts have also been issued for the River Darent from Westerham to Dartford, Cuckmere River, Upper Ouse, River Uck, Upper River Mole, River Mole and its tributaries from Kinnersley Manor to South Hersham.

The Surfers Against Sewage live map reported dozens of sewage discharges across the region as of midday.

Ferry company DFDS has said delays are affecting all its Dover to Calais services due to "strong winds" in the English Channel.

The impact of Storm Benjamin could also be seen in Margate, Kent

It added that services between Newhaven and Dieppe were cancelled.

Fallen trees were also reported as causing disruption in parts of the region.

Parts of central Brighton have been impacted by flooding

Southeastern announced shortly after 10:00 that a tree had fallen on the railway line between Ashford and Charing, though said it had subsequently been cleared.

Meanwhile, West Sussex Highways said a downed tree had blocked Hammerpond Road in Mannings Heath, near Horsham.

It comes after the Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for wind and rain across parts of the UK, but these were later lifted as the storm cleared away to the east.

Flooded roads have been reported across the region

The Met Office said people could expect a small chance of power cuts, damage to buildings, delayed or cancelled public transport, difficult road conditions, possible road closures and flooding.

It added that gusts of 40-45mph across parts of Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex were possible during the early hours of Thursday morning, increasing to up to 55mph in coastal areas.

The Environment Agency said on X that people should plan before they make any journeys and check for flooding.

"Never drive through flood water. It only takes 30cm of water to float your car," it said.