After heavy rain, the Ballysallagh Road outside the Clandeboye estate became a pool of water as it often does after downpours.
The road, on the Belfast side of Bangor, is a major substitute route to the busy main A2 Bangor to Belfast dual carriageway and so is popular with motorists.
But a large amount of rainwater had gathered at the low bridge at Clandeboye, which is often the site of drama when it is struck by vehicles who do not realise the limited height of the structure.
The footage was taken this morning, Saturday January 17 2026, between 8am and 9am as traffic began to build up the road, made worse by many drivers deciding to turn round.
Towards 9am the police arrived. While they are not in a position to prevent cars passing at their own risk, it did put off most motorists from attempting to cross, assuming that perhaps the officers had closed the road. In fact, they said that there was little they could do except warn people, and that only Roads Service could clear the scene.
5. Clandeboye flooding tractor
For this tractor, travelling through the flooding on the Ballysallagh Road outside Bangor was easy, and it did not hesitate. Pic Ben Lowry Saturday January 17 2026 Photo: Ben Lowry
6. Clandeboye flooding car turnaround
There were big queues of traffic approaching the flooding under the low bridge at Clandeboye, and many cars turned back rather than risk driving through. Video Ben Lowry Saturday January 17 2026 Photo: Ben Lowry
7. Clandeboye flooding larger cars
Plenty of larger cars confidently passed through the flooding on the Ballysallagh Road, which leads to the Craigantlet hills. Pic Ben Lowry Saturday January 17 2026 Photo: Ben Lowry
8. Clandeboye flooding cars
When some cars at Clandeboye saw others passing through the floods, it gave them confidence to travel. Pic Ben Lowry January 17 2026 Photo: Ben Lowry