Flood warning issued as heavy downpours continue

The Department for Infrastructure at Stormont said Upper Lough Erne has now went over the “maximum winter guideline water level” and that it could rise even further in the days to come.

A spokesperson for the department said: “Due to the significant amount of rainfall that has fallen in recent weeks, water levels are generally higher than normal in lakes and watercourses. Rainfall in February, so far, has been approximately 160% of the monthly average in some western areas.

“As a result of these conditions localised flooding and disruption to travel is possible. The Department’s operational teams are on the ground monitoring the situation and will be ready to respond to any potential flooding incidents or road closures over the weekend . Pumping continues at the Derrychara Link Road in Enniskillen to reduce the impacts of road flooding in that location.

“Upper Lough Erne has now exceeded the maximum winter guideline water level and could rise further over the next few days and the Department’s rivers team is working closely with the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) in the South of Ireland to ensure that all practical steps are taken to reduce flood risk in the area.”

The statement continued: “A combination of generation and spilling at the hydroelectric power stations at Cliff and Ballyshannon in Co Donegal is ongoing to ensure that water can leave the Erne system as quickly as it can flow down to the power-stations.

“It should however be recognised that heavy rain can result in a greater flow than can possibly be conveyed even when spilling is in progress.”

The department spokesperson added: “Agencies will continue to monitor levels on a daily basis and, in conjunction with ESB, will determine and carry out the best course of action to minimise any flood risk.

To report incidents of flooding, please contact the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. Calls taken by the incident line staff are passed to the relevant responding Agency.

Information about preparing for possible flooding, and what to do after a flood, is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/flooding-your-area

Road users should continue to take care when travelling, adhere to any temporary restrictions and diversions in place and should never drive through flood water. Advice for road users in all adverse weather conditions can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/driving-adverse-weather

More detailed information on keeping safe and useful contact numbers is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/rain