Newry businesses take precautionary steps as storm Chandra brings heavy rain and winds

Rain and strong winds have left quite a few roads flooded in the Newry area with storm Chandra causing havoc to travel plans.

As a precaution before the high tide arrives in Newry around 6pm Sugar Island businesses are positioning sandbags outside their premises with Friar Tucks leading the way and Newry BID personell on the ground. Sandbags also placed at the side of Newry Canal.

The Hilltown Road is currently closed and motorists are also asked to avoid the Fathom Line where a bus was stuck in flood water this afternoon.. Newry Rugby Club is flooded once again with large scale flooding in fields on either side of the Hilltown Road.

The Department for Infrastructure had released a multi agency update for the public. 

An Amber weather warning for wind is valid from 05:00 – 21:00 and is relevant for counties Antrim, Down and Derry. A Yellow warning for rain and wind is also in place from 00:01 to 23:59 across all counties today.

With this caution in place, the agency said the public can expect the following:

• Disruption to traffic is expected and road users are advised to consider whether your journey is necessary. Please take extra care if you must travel and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
• When driving, reduce your speed due to the possibility of surface water and obstructions and avoid driving through flood water. Please adhere to any temporary road signs or lights put in place to keep you and other road users safe.
• Please also follow the guidance of police who may be on to ground in your local area to assist road users.
• There is a very likely chance of power cuts, with the potential that other services such as mobile phone coverage will be affected.
• Flying debris is also likely, which could lead to injuries or danger to life.
• Damage to buildings is also a possibility, especially to lose roof tiles or from falling trees.
• Longer journey times for public transport, including road, rail, air and ferry services can be expected.
• A number of rail services are currently suspended and will be reinstated when it is safe to do so.
• Bus services are also experiencing delays. Details are provided on the Translink website.
• Roads and bridges may have to close, or temporary restrictions may be necessary, so please take extra care.
• If you are in coastal areas, large waves and beach material may be thrown about, please be careful.
• River levels are high and likely to increase further as the recent rain flushes through the system.
• Rivers staff continue to attend drainage infrastructure, monitor water levels in Rivers and Loughs and respond to calls to the Flooding Incident Line.
• DVA test centres are currently open and operating as normal.

Further information:

Advice and information on the current weather warnings is available from the Met Office.

Up-to-date traffic information can be found at Traffic Watch NI.

For concerns regarding electricity, please report to NIE on 03457 643 643.

Report any incidents of flooding to the Flooding Incident Line 0300 2000 100.

If you are in danger and it’s an emergency, always call 999.

For HM Coastguard Advice at the coast during or after storms - hmcoastguard.co.uk/storms.

Information and advice on strong winds and heavy rain is available at nidirect: www.nidirect.gov.uk