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NI coastal areas warned of possible flooding NI coastal areas warned of possible flooding
(about 1 hour later)
People in coastal areas of Northern Ireland are being told to prepare for potential flooding ahead of stormy weather on Friday.People in coastal areas of Northern Ireland are being told to prepare for potential flooding ahead of stormy weather on Friday.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain, high winds and high tides on Friday. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain, winds and high tides.
Police are working with a number of agencies in anticipation of a tidal coastal surge at midday on Friday and over the weekend. Police are co-ordinating the operation in anticipation of a tidal coastal surge at midday on Friday and over the weekend.
It is feared that predicted heavy rain may also lead to flooding in Belfast. It is feared heavy rain may cause flooding in Belfast and police have warned of possible evacuations.
Coastguard teams in counties Antrim and Down are on standby amid fears of flooding in a number of areas, including Newcastle. In particular, the police said they were concerned about Victoria Park, the Sydenham area, the docks area and Corporation Street in the east of the city.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: "The combination of heavy rain, strong winds and high tides beginning tomorrow and lasting throughout the weekend has created the potential for flooding in a number of coastal areas across Northern Ireland. Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said it was a "very fluid situation".
"There is the potential for flooding in Belfast. Areas identified as high risk at this time are Sydenham and around the docks area. "We are working as much as we can to try to prepare ourselves for potential flooding in those areas," he said.
"We would ask residents in Sydenham to consider making preparations for potential flooding in the area. We will be working to provide assistance for those who may be affected." "During the course of today, we have distributed many thousands of sandbags, with our colleagues in the other agencies, to protect the rivers around the Sydenham area.
Other areas that could be affected to lesser extents include Larne, Newry, Newtownards and Clough, all County Down. "We are working with the health trust to try to identify vulnerable people who live in that area.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is co-ordinating a team that included the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Rivers Agency, Belfast HealthTrust, Road Service, Northern Ireland Water, Northern Ireland Electricity, British Telecom and Translink. Coastguard
"We are also putting in preparations and plans, in the event - although we are not there yet - we recommend people evacuate their homes in that area."
If homes are evacuated, Belfast City Council will provide emergency centres, he said.
Coastguard teams in counties Antrim and Down are also on standby amid fears of flooding in those areas, which include the seaside resort of Newcastle.
Other areas that could be affected to lesser extents include Larne in County Antrim as well as Newry, Newtownards and Clough in County Down.
Assistant Chief Constable Martin added: "The combination of heavy rain, strong winds and high tides beginning tomorrow and lasting throughout the weekend has created the potential for flooding in a number of coastal areas across Northern Ireland."
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is co-ordinating a team that includes the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Rivers Agency, Belfast HealthTrust, Road Service, Northern Ireland Water, Northern Ireland Electricity, BT and Translink.
Police have urged people to stay way from coastal paths and walkways and to drive with extreme care.Police have urged people to stay way from coastal paths and walkways and to drive with extreme care.
P&0 Ferries have cancelled a number of sailings between Larne and Cairnryan on Friday. Passengers are advised to check updates on their website. P&O Ferries have cancelled a number of sailings between Larne and Cairnryan on Friday. Passengers are advised to check updates on their website.
Belfast City Council said: "To report serious flooding in your area, call the flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100. This line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week." Anyone who wishes to report flooding can call Belfast City Council's flooding incident line on 0300 2000 100 or the police non-emergency line on 0845600 8000.