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Flash floods cause traffic chaos Flash floods cause traffic chaos
(10 minutes later)
The Fire and Rescue Service responded to more than 200 emergency calls in 30 minutes after torrential rain caused widespread flooding throughout NI.The Fire and Rescue Service responded to more than 200 emergency calls in 30 minutes after torrential rain caused widespread flooding throughout NI.
East Belfast has been particularly affected by the downpour. Connswater Shopping Centre had to close after water poured through ceiling vents.East Belfast has been particularly affected by the downpour. Connswater Shopping Centre had to close after water poured through ceiling vents.
Strandtown Primary School and police station have also been flooded.Strandtown Primary School and police station have also been flooded.
The Fire and Rescue Service has advised anyone with water in their premises to turn off the electricity at the mains.The Fire and Rescue Service has advised anyone with water in their premises to turn off the electricity at the mains.
Police have warned motorists that Montgomery Road, Alexander Road and Ladas Drive are all impassable.Police have warned motorists that Montgomery Road, Alexander Road and Ladas Drive are all impassable.
Meanwhile, rainwater has leaked into the third and fourth floors of Parliament Buildings at Stormont.Meanwhile, rainwater has leaked into the third and fourth floors of Parliament Buildings at Stormont.
Deputy Speaker John Dallat told MLAs the flooding may have damaged the building's fire alarm system causing it to be activated by accident.Deputy Speaker John Dallat told MLAs the flooding may have damaged the building's fire alarm system causing it to be activated by accident.
Floating carsFloating cars
It has also been reported that cars are floating down Ladas Drive and Channing Street, off the Castlereagh Road.It has also been reported that cars are floating down Ladas Drive and Channing Street, off the Castlereagh Road.
The Ormeau Road, Annadale Embankment, the Newtownards Road, the Ravenhill Road and the Somerton Road have also been affected. The Ormeau Road, Annadale Embankment, the Newtownards Road, the Ravenhill Road and the Somerton Road in the north of the city have also been affected.
South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell said an emergency flooding taskforce should be set up to deal with such situations.
"A cross departmental and multi-agency approach is required to ensure proper planning and a swift joined-up response in the event of emergencies," the SDLP representative said.
Outside Belfast, the Knockmore Campus of Lisburn Institute had to close after the building became waterlogged.
All classes at the institute have been suspended for the remainder of the week.
Heavy flooding is also causing major congestion on the roads around Omagh.
Earlier, Met Office forecasters predicted a period of exceptionally heavy and prolonged rainfall later this week.Earlier, Met Office forecasters predicted a period of exceptionally heavy and prolonged rainfall later this week.
Many places will see further rain but the worst affected areas are likely to be Northern Ireland and northern parts of England, where rainfall totals over a few days may be close to the monthly average for June.Many places will see further rain but the worst affected areas are likely to be Northern Ireland and northern parts of England, where rainfall totals over a few days may be close to the monthly average for June.
In 2005, Ormeau residents had to be moved from their homes following heavy rain, which overwhelmed drains and mixed with sewage.
Please send pictures of any flooding in your area to nipics@bbc.co.uk.Please send pictures of any flooding in your area to nipics@bbc.co.uk.