Flood Warning Issued For Parts Of NI

Police have issued a flood warning for areas of Belfast and the Ards peninsula.

The warnings, which have been in place since Sunday, has said more heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue today (Monday).

Authorities have said there are concerns about what could happen when the high tide combines with the severe weather conditions. The Met Office has said it has issued a yellow warning of winds for the region.

In a statement, it said: "Strong winds will combine with large waves to bring the risk of coastal flooding.

"The public should be aware of the dangers of waves crashing onshore and over-topping shore lines and sea fronts."

Police Commander in charge of the multi-agency response, Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin added: "We continue to respond to the changing weather conditions with our partnership agencies and plans are in place to deal with the impact these changing conditions may have on the community."

The areas at risk of flooding include Sydenham, East Belfast; Corporation Street, Belfast; Sailortown Area, Belfast which includes Clarendon Dock, Belfast Harbour Marina, Dock Street and the area surrounding the Odyssey; and the Ards Peninsula.

There is also a risk of flooding in a number of Northern and Eastern Coastal towns and to parts of South Down. In addition, authorities have said that while there is a reduced risk of flooding at Belfast City Centre, they have advised a number of underground car parks including Victoria Square to close today.

Mr Martin added: "We would urge the public to remain on alert and to be mindful of their own safety in particular to avoid coastal paths, be wary of possibly unstable harbour defences and to drive with extreme caution as many roads continue to be affected by surface water."

(JP)