Met Office yellow warning for more heavy rain leaves Northern Ireland braced for more disruption
Homes and businesses across Northern Ireland which suffered flooding due to Storm Chandra were last night bracing themselves for the possibility of further damage, due to yet another rain warning from the Met Office.
The Storm caused some 350 schools to close with 288 reports of roads blocked and 495 flooding incidents,
In Katesbridge almost one month's rain fell in 24 hours, breaking all records at the Met Office site in its 42 year history.
The Fire Service received 98 related emergency calls, with 16 people rescued in nine separate flooding incidents.
There was major disruption across the UK - with more troubles expected today - England had 64 flood warnings and 150 flood alerts yesterday.
A yellow warning for heavy rain across Northern Ireland is in place from midnight until 6pm today.
Met Office Operational Meteorologist Kathryn Chalk told the News Letter that further heavy rain so soon after Chandra could have a significant impact.
"Any added rainfall is unwelcome and hence could again lead to flooding and disruption given the saturated ground so worth being prepared," she said.
Caorlan McAllister, the owner of the HalfWay House pub and restaurant near Banbridge was certain he would suffer further damage.
"I just know it's going to flood again," he told the News Letter.
Chandra blew tiles from the roof which caused significant leaks into the restaurant.
"We are having to source more tiles, which has been problematic because they are old and quite unique."
The high wind also damaged part of their flat roof and their water treatment plant - leading to major flooding in their car park.
He believes the latest repairs could cost him £10,000.
His only request is that his regular patrons continue to "support local hospitality".
Gareth Ingram, who runs Country Choice Giftware in Dromore with his wife Sophie, is hoping they will not suffer any more flooding this time.
The downstairs floor of the business flooded badly, with the raging River Lagan only inches away from bursting through its windows.
"The river had never come up that high before so hopefully we will escape this time," he said of the latest rain warning.
He and his wife were overwhelmed with messages of support, people offering financial and practical help after the flooding - including a slew of dehumidifiers.
"We are really thankful for people's generosity."
He was also impressed that two workers from the Department for Infrastructure stayed in his business all night to pump all the flood water out.
"Two of them stayed here in the shop all night to make sure all the water was pumped out."
Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood fielded said businesses in Dromore and the outskirts of Banbridge and homes around the Maze were flooded
She was unsure what impact further rain might have, in light of the fact that the Lagan had still burst its banks around Blaris, the Maze and Flatfield
"A month's rain in a day in already saturated ground has left many roads in those areas still blocked."
She called on Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins to publicly give account for the flooding and gully clearance issues.