THE Rivers Agency has placed its staff on flooding alert in response to the Met Office Amber rain warning.
Agency engineers and technical officers have been out on the ground all day monitoring river levels, ensuring drainage grilles are clear and checking sandbag stores.
Philip Mehaffey, Director of Operations said: “The Met Office have issued an Amber Warning of Rain until 6am Tuesday 25 September with as much as 100mm expected to fall on the highest parts of north Antrim.
“With these very high predicted rainfalls for the higher ground we cannot rule out some river flooding and so we are doing everything we can to mitigate the risk,” he said.
“Engineering staff have also been placed on standby for the next 24 hours and will continue overnight to monitor river levels as well as ensuring culvert inlet grilles are clear of all debris. There is a risk that with strong winds forecast for overnight, wind-blown debris can block rivers and grills.
“The public are reminded that in the case of a flood it should be reported to the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A member of staff will then contact the appropriate agency on your behalf.”
