Public warned to stay away from flooded areas as response to wet weather continues

A multi-agency response to flooding in Newry and other areas in the South-East is continuing today.

People are urged to stay away from flood defences, flooded areas and watercourses as these areas may be unsafe until an assessment of the damage caused by the heavy rain can be made. Flooding may have extensive and significant impacts on health and well-being, therefore we appeal to people to avoid flood water to minimise any risks to life.

People are also reminded to pay attention to the road closure advice. Many roads are closed because of flood conditions which are not suitable for traffic to go through. Where necessary, temporary road or lane closures have been put in place on roads blocked by flooding and resources assigned to clear blocked pipes and gullies across affected areas. The most up to date information on road closures is available on Trafficwatchni(external link opens in a new window / tab)

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) continues to work alongside the PSNI and other multi-agency partners to respond to the situation and to deploy resources to where they are needed following the wet weather.  

There have been around 900 calls to the Flood Incident Line and approximately 12,000 sandbags have been deployed to areas where rain intensity, high tides and saturated ground has caused the flooding.  

The flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100.

The Emergency Payment scheme for flooding is active. Householders who have suffered severe inconvenience from flooding can claim £1,000 payment through their local council.

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

Advice for road users in all adverse weather conditions can be found at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/driving-adverse-weather-conditions-226-237