Belfast International Airport recorded 74.4 mm between midday and 3 pm on Saturday. This is near the average monthly rainfall in July in Northern Ireland at 81.2 mm. Transport operator Translink cancelled some buses.
Heavy downpours have caused flooding and traffic disruption in parts of Northern Ireland as forecasters issued an amber thunderstorm warning covering every county of Northern Ireland except Fermanagh.
Rainfall accumulations of up to 30 mm in the hour and 60 mm in 3 hours are likely in places, though many areas will see lower rainfall amounts.
The Met Office warned of high water affecting homes and businesses and said power cuts were likely as the heatwave broke with torrential rainfall. It is expecting the rain and thunder would ease from the south later this afternoon, issuing a severe weather warning, extended until 7 pm on Saturday.
A Met Office statement said: “Moving and at times torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning will affect parts of Northern Ireland through this afternoon. Where the heaviest rain occurs some surface water flooding is likely.”
Traffic Watch Northern Ireland said: “Following heavy rainfall around midday we had reports of flooding on many roads in the Greater Belfast area – things have improved noticeably in the last half hour but road users are advised to slow down and drive appropriate to the conditions they are encountering.”
Motorists were asked to avoid the underpass at Stockman’s Lane in Belfast due to high water levels. Cars parked along the hard shoulder on the A1 near Dromore in Co Down and there were significant delays in both directions on the arterial route.
Flooding near Hilltown in Co Down also created long queues of traffic. Police warned of flooding on the A1 southbound, between Gowdystown Road and Banbridge.
In the Republic, status yellow rainfall warnings were issued. Downpours were expected to affect the whole of Leinster, counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and Waterford. The AA reported very wet road conditions in parts of counties Wicklow, Meath, Mayo and Cavan.
The Road Safety Authority urged drivers to watch out for flash flooding and the risk of aquaplaning.
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- “Following heavy rainfall around midday we had reports of flooding on many roads in the Greater Belfast area – things have improved noticeably in the last half hour but road users are advised to slow down and drive appropriate to the conditions they are encountering.
- Cars parked along the hard shoulder on the A1 near Dromore in Co Down and there were significant delays in both directions on the arterial route.
- Rainfall accumulations of up to 30 mm in the hour and 60 mm in 3 hours are likely in places, though many areas will see lower rainfall amounts.
