Rain Lashed NI Prepares For More Floods

As three 'outdoors' teenage girls were last night being rescued after heavy rains left them stranded in the Mourne Mountains, the Met Office was preparing to issue a severe weather warning for the whole of Northern Ireland.

They said that overnight rain had resulted in widespread flooding and warned of excess spray and standing water, making for poor road conditions which could become dangerous. Motorists have been advised to exercise extra caution.

Last night's high drama proved to be particularly hazardous and began when the girls, aged between 15 and 17, were forced from their campsite by torrential rain.

It happened at around 4.45am on Tuesday morning as they attempted to make their way off the mountain and then found their way down was blocked by a now heavily swollen river.

"It would have been quite dangerous," said Ed Kilgore from the Mourne Rescue Team, which eventually led the girls to safety near Newcastle where the girls were picked up by relieved relatives.

Meanwhile, heavy rain continues and has already seen the Old Warrenpoint road in Newry particularly badly affected and there's also heavy flooding reported on the Cornakinnegar Road heading towards Lurgan.

There is flooding too on the Maghaberry Road and the Glenavy Road from the Moira Road towards the international airport.

However, both roads were being described as "passable with care".

There has also been flooding on the A26 Moira Road, as well as in Banbridge and in Newry.

Five people had to be rescued after their cars became trapped in the Moira floods.

The NI Fire Service helped the people who were trapped on the Glenavy Road after the heavy overnight rain resulted in such localised flooding problems.

(BMcC)