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Further flooding hit parts of NI Further flooding hit parts of NI
(40 minutes later)
Persistent rain has been causing hazardous conditions for drivers as further flooding is reported to have affected parts of Northern Ireland.Persistent rain has been causing hazardous conditions for drivers as further flooding is reported to have affected parts of Northern Ireland.
The Met Office has warned of more heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, with the risk of localised flooding. Further rain will continue into the weekend.The Met Office has warned of more heavy rain accompanied by strong winds, with the risk of localised flooding. Further rain will continue into the weekend.
There are reports of severe flooding around Bangor, Newtownards and Comber.There are reports of severe flooding around Bangor, Newtownards and Comber.
The adverse weather comes as councillors meet to discuss how to best use a £5m flood relief fund.The adverse weather comes as councillors meet to discuss how to best use a £5m flood relief fund.
Castlereagh and Omagh councils are also expected to receive a portion of the hardship fund.Castlereagh and Omagh councils are also expected to receive a portion of the hardship fund.
Finance Minister Peter Robinson has given the Department of Environment the money to help people affected by this week's flooding.Finance Minister Peter Robinson has given the Department of Environment the money to help people affected by this week's flooding.
Environment Minister Arlene Foster will channel the money through councils.Environment Minister Arlene Foster will channel the money through councils.
'People in hardship''People in hardship'
The executive said the money was not compensation or an admission of responsibility.The executive said the money was not compensation or an admission of responsibility.
The funds could be used as part of the clean up operation or to help people make claims on their insurance.The funds could be used as part of the clean up operation or to help people make claims on their insurance.
The finance minister said the money was intended to provide immediate relief.The finance minister said the money was intended to provide immediate relief.
The executive will also be examining its response to the flooding with the intention of improving future emergency planning procedures.The executive will also be examining its response to the flooding with the intention of improving future emergency planning procedures.
"The executive felt that this is the best way of providing material help to people in hardship whose homes have been badly affected by flood damage," said Mr Robinson."The executive felt that this is the best way of providing material help to people in hardship whose homes have been badly affected by flood damage," said Mr Robinson.
East Belfast was particularly affected by Tuesday's downpourEast Belfast was particularly affected by Tuesday's downpour
"The focus for this aid is not the provision of financial compensation, but instead the provision of practical assistance in areas such as cleaning up flood damage, restoring essential household utilities, and ensuring homes are made habitable as quickly as possible.""The focus for this aid is not the provision of financial compensation, but instead the provision of practical assistance in areas such as cleaning up flood damage, restoring essential household utilities, and ensuring homes are made habitable as quickly as possible."
Police have advised drivers to slow down and use dipped headlights as heavy rain is causing difficult driving conditions across Northern Ireland.Police have advised drivers to slow down and use dipped headlights as heavy rain is causing difficult driving conditions across Northern Ireland.
There are reports of severe flooding along the Gransha Road near Bangor.There are reports of severe flooding along the Gransha Road near Bangor.
Flooding is also being reported on the Portaferry Road outside Newtownards.Flooding is also being reported on the Portaferry Road outside Newtownards.
Roads only passable with care include the Kempstone and Belfast roads between Comber and Dundonald as well as the Ballyblack and Crossnamuckley roads.Roads only passable with care include the Kempstone and Belfast roads between Comber and Dundonald as well as the Ballyblack and Crossnamuckley roads.
More than 30 people had to be rescued after torrential rain caused widespread flooding throughout Northern Ireland on Tuesday.More than 30 people had to be rescued after torrential rain caused widespread flooding throughout Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
The Fire and Rescue Service responded to almost 400 emergency calls in a short period as homes and several roads were flooded.The Fire and Rescue Service responded to almost 400 emergency calls in a short period as homes and several roads were flooded.
East Belfast was particularly affected by the downpour. Other areas affected were Magherafelt, Lisburn, Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon.East Belfast was particularly affected by the downpour. Other areas affected were Magherafelt, Lisburn, Omagh, Cookstown and Dungannon.
Please send the latest pictures of flooding in your area to nipics@bbc.co.uk.