Heavy rain in the North over the weekend left 900 homes in Ballyclare, Co Antrim, without electricity yesterday for two hours. Throughout the North the continuing downpour caused localised flooding and acres of farmland disappeared under water.
The Ulster Farmers' Union said that producers were unable to bring in potatoes, which might lead to a shortage of supply in the coming weeks. Spokesman Mr Joe McDonald added that livestock would have to be housed early, creating financial problems for many farmers.
There was flooding on several roadways and the ComberDundonald road in Co Down was blocked at two points. The Ballycastle to Rathlin Island ferry was confined to Bally castle harbour until yesterday afternoon due to debris in the harbour washed down by floodwaters.