Kent
has experienced the harshest of weather conditions over the years.
Local historian Bob Ogley takes us on a trip down memory lane
- a look at this week's weather down the ages.
The entire coastline between North and South Foreland was strewn
with 36 shipwrecks as severe gale hits Kent. There was heavy
loss of life and property on land.
20th
February
1903
An unusual phenomenon occurred over much of Kent. A great fall
of dust mixed with light rain adorned shrubs and trees with
a thick murky covering. At Edenbridge the fall was exceptional.
21st
February
1948
The
village of Hastingleigh, Ashford was covered in 10 foot snow
drifts took 10 villagers and 10 Ministry of Transport employees
to dig themselves out. It took them two days to reach the Brabourne-Waltham
crossroads.
22nd
February
1963
The Great Freeze immobilised most shipping activities on the
Medway and the Thames. At Sun Pier, Chatham, the pack ice covered
the full width of the river. The sea at Whitstable and Pegwell
Bay was also frozen.
23rd
February
1743
There
was "a fearful gale in east Kent" and 12 ships were lost, with
52 men drowned. Many vessels were driven ashore between Sandwich
and Walmer.
24th
February
1900
The "Great flood of 1900" flooded the low-lying lands of Eynsford,
Farningham and Darents. Most parts of Dartford were submerged.
