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.

9. Clandeboye flooding police
When police arrived at the flooding at Clandeboye shortly before 9am, vehicles were not prevented from passing through but most motorists then assumed the road was closed. Pic Ben Lowry Saturday January 17 2026 Photo: Ben Lowry

10. Clandeboye flooding bridge
The road is often flooded after heavy rain, which in this case happened on Friday night and early Saturday morning. The Ballysallagh Road is an alternative route for traffic from Bangor to Belfast. Pic Ben Lowry Saturday January 17 2026 Photo: Ben Lowry

11. Clandeboye floodwater
The spread of floodwater under the low bridge on the edge of the Clandeboye estate was very large. Pic Ben Lowry Saturday January 17 2026 Photo: Ben Lowry

