SEVERE weather warning for rain issued for Northern Ireland

According to the Met Office website the heavy rainfall will start around 3pm and last until 11.55pm.

"Heavy rain will affect Northern Ireland later on Thursday," said the Met Office.

"This will fall onto saturated ground and is likely to lead to flooding in places; delayed travel may well result, including through the busy evening period.

"It is possible that a few properties or businesses could also be affected."

According to the Chief Forecaster, "rain will spread into Northern Ireland on Thursday morning, turning persistent and occasionally heavy in the afternoon and lasting well into the evening before dying out".

He added: "20 to 40 mm of rain within 12 hours, (perhaps nearer 60 mm over the Mournes) falling on already very wet ground, seems likely to lead to flooding of some prone locations."