Water levels along the Newry River are continuing to rise this afternoon (Tuesday) as the city braces for high tide at around 6pm, prompting precautionary measures in flood-prone areas.
Sandbags have been deployed along the embankment and to nearby businesses, particularly around Sugar Island and Merchant’s Quay, as authorities and business owners take no chances amid ongoing severe weather conditions.
The Clanrye River remains swollen following days of heavy rain, with concerns growing that the combination of already saturated ground and the incoming tide could lead to more catastrophic flooding in low-lying areas of the city centre.
At Sugar Island, staff at Friar Tucks were seen boarding up the premises on Tuesday afternoon — a reminder of the devastation caused by flooding almost two and a half years ago.
In October 2023, businesses in the city were badly hit when the river burst its banks, sending floodwater through streets. The damage left several premises ruined, with equipment and stock destroyed.
Speaking at the time, Friar Tucks director Brendan Downey described the impact as catastrophic, saying everything inside the restaurant had been destroyed despite lorry-loads of sandbags being used in an attempt to hold back the water.
That experience has clearly not been forgotten, with business owners now acting early as water levels again cause concern.
A spokesperson for Newry BID said: “The Newry BID team remain out on the ground supporting with flood concern management.
“Water levels are dropping but remain worryingly high. The peak risk this evening is high tide at 6pm. It is expected to be a relatively dry night with an ice warning, both of which reduce the flood risk.
“We have deployed sandbags and have more ordered. We continue to keep our BID members updated. The key now continues to be preparation, communication and vigilance.”
While there has been a brief lull in rainfall, the weather warning for rain is due to remain until midnight before making way for a warning around ice overnight.
The Met Office has also issued an ice warning from 3am to 10am on Wednesday morning.
