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Heavy rain overnight in the Newry area and surrounds has resulted in spot flooding and delays on the road with diversions in place in some areas. Newry Rugby Club is once again under water with other football clubs suffering a similar fate. Fields around Derryleckagh and Loughgilly and many other parts of the district have been submerged. It's a result of already saturated ground being unable to disperse any additional rainfall.
The Newtown Road is closed on the outskirts of Camlough with flood water on the road very close to residential property. A massive community effort saw farmers bring their slurry tankers into action and they successfully reduced the level but because the water is so close to homes and the resultant risk of wash from vehicles damaging the properties the road remains closed at present.
Elsewhere the Doctors Hill has flood water across the road, the Hilltown Road outside Newry has some surface water, the Fathom line is reported to be badly affected. The Clanrye river has risen substantially over the course of the day resulting in flooding of Newry Canal towpath after the river overflowed into the Canal.
The Met Office is warning of further persistent heavy rain between 9pm tonight and 9am tomorrow 31 October with an Amber rain warning in place so more flooding would be expected. The rest of the week isn't much better with a Yellow rain warning in place right through to Friday thanks to Storm Ciaran.
Motorists are requested to take extra care on the roads, give themselves extra time and be aware of pedestrians when driving through flooded areas.
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has thanked the local community, particularly local farmers in Camlough, for responding rapidly to flash flooding which was threatening people's homes in the village.
Mr. McNulty was speaking after flash flooding forced the Newtown Road in Camlough to close and placed local residents’ homes at risk of flooding.
Mr McNulty said "I was extremely proud of the response from the local community in Camlough. Upon seeing the floodwaters and speaking with local residents, relevant agencies and local farmers were contacted for support in dealing with those floodwaters.
"I want the Fire Service who quickly responded to assist a man who had become trapped in his car. I also want to offer massive thanks to local men John McKeown, Gerard Quinn, Jamie and James Doran, Tommy Crawley and Patrick McCartney for responding almost immediately to the calls from me and others for support with tankers to transport the floodwater safely downstream and alleviate the threat to homes and property.
"This intervention from local farmers has saved homes from damage, but with rainfall forecast to continue, it's important that all government agencies work together to alleviate risks to homes and motorists. I would urge everyone to show extreme caution on our roads in the days ahead, and to take proactive steps to limit the risk of damage to homes and businesses from floodwater.”
