Businesses in Newry city centre have been left reeling as flood waters coursed through the city centre streets overnight.
And while many business owners have been unable to survey the damage, it could be another day before the magnitude of the devastation is realised.
As the Clanrye River burst its banks overnight, submerging parts of Newry underwater, the worst of it may still be ahead with high tide expected at midday.
Although the amber weather warning has subsided Storm Ciaran is inbound and two yellow warnings for rain remain in place until Wednesday morning. Until then, the situation has not cleared.
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty described the water levels as “frightening”.
“Homes and businesses need every assistance possible from statutory services to protect their premises and where breaches have already happened they need physical and financial support to clean up and bounce back,” he said.
“Stay safe everyone and reach out to vulnerable neighbours.”
Council have also confirmed that refuse collections have been cancelled today due to the severity of the situation on the ground.
Meanwhile, Camlough, Poyntzpass and many rural roads in south Armagh remain impassable or closed this morning due to severe flooding overnight.
The M1 motorway currently has diversions in place at Jonesborough. The Carrickdale junction is akin to a river and is best avoided altogether if heading south.
Newry Council and the Department for Infrastructure staff are continuing to work on the ground to hold off the rising water through the emergency structures.
If you require sandbags or further support, the contact numbers are: Flood Incident Line (Sand bags) on 0300 2000 100. DFI Emergency Line – during office hours 028 9054 0540 and outside office hours 0300 200 7899.
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