Flood warning as further heavy rainfall expected - NI agencies meet over preparatory action

Given the recent wet weather, the Department for Infrastructure have said that low lying ground is already saturated and government departments have warned that “road flooding and local traffic disruption is possible, especially rural roads in the West”.

They also advised: “Trees may also topple at relatively lower gust speeds than would normally be the case.”

Heavy rainfall has already seen the Welsh valleys and parts of England devastated by flooding.

Monitoring of water levels here has been ongoing and will continue in the coming days, the authorities have said.

The Department’s roads and rivers teams have also been checking and clearing road gullies and drainage grilles and staff will be on standby to respond with any impacts.

Regional Community Resilience Groups have also been advised of weather patterns and to make appropriate preparations.

The NI Executive has warned : “It may be necessary to close roads or put temporary restrictions in place.

“Road users are reminded to adhere to road signs and any temporary traffic lights.

“If travelling, the public is reminded to reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt.”

Met Eireann is predicting strong winds and outbreaks of rain today for Ulster.

It states; “The rain will turn more showery later in the day with some heavy and thundery downpours possible in the evening.”

Tonight meanwhile will be cold and windy tonight with frequent heavy showers, some with hail and thunder

Saturday meanwhile will be cold and blustery with sunny spells and frequent squally showers.

Met Eireann advised: “The showers will turn increasingly wintry and there will be isolated thunderstorms also. Highest temperatures of just 4 to 7 degrees but feeling colder in strong west or southwest breezes.”

Constantly updated traffic information for the north can be found at: www.trafficwatchni.com

To report incidents of flooding involving property, please contact the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency.

Information about preparing for possible flooding, and what to do after a flood is available at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/flooding-your-area.