Flash flooding hits Northern Ireland by Nina Ridge
A huge clean up operation is underway after severe thunderstorms with torrential rain caused massive flooding across Northern Ireland yesterday.
Between 1.30pm and 3pm, in what was said by a resident, to be “the worst thunderstorm in living memory”, floodwater levels rose to a depth of around 10 inches in places.
Within the space of just 40 minutes, the Fire and Rescue service responded to more than 400 emergency calls as large parts the province were inundated with flood water. Counties Tyrone, Antrim and eastern parts of Belfast were among the worst hit areas. In eastern Co. Tyrone, Lough Fea recorded 53.4 mm (over 2 inches) of rain, much of which fell in the space of a few hours.
Flooded streets led to complete traffic chaos for several hours, and some people abandoned their cars, which were left floating in the water. Emergency crews battled to clear water from flooded businesses and homes. Fire crews used rubber dinghies in the Ladas Drive area of Belfast to rescue stranded people.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the Connswater shopping centre as rain water began pouring through the ceiling.
Although the storms eased yesterday evening and overnight, further warnings have been issued for Northern Ireland today for more heavy, thundery showers.
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