Donegal Town residential area hit by floods as wind and rain pound the county

UPDATE 4pm: The floodwater has been cleared by Donegal Fire Service

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The Clareden Drive area of Drumlonagher, Donegal Town has yet again been hit by flooding. 

This area has suffered the effects of worsening weather more than most, with homes being flooded several times in the last decade, something that would previously have been considered a once in a lifetime incident.

What is particularly worrying as floodwaters rise early on Sunday afternoon is that this flood is occuring with the falling tide. There are fears that driving winds and the rising tide could bring more, increased floods. Low tide is around 5pm, with the next high tide at approximately 11.15 pm. There is however some hope that lower water in the estuary and bay area could give the flood water a chance to clear before evening. 

Heavy rainfall over recent days and weeks has greatly increased the volume and flow speed of the River Eske, which runs along the lower end of Clareden Drive.

Added to the flood risk of the already full river in the area is the natural dip which means that when torrential rain occurs, it flows down the hill at and behind Clareden Drive and in the areas just upriver of it. 

The river burst its banks at lunchtime on Sunday and the water has been rising steadily since, having reached homes at the lower end of the road. 

It is certainly a worrying situation for those who live there and for the emergency services as they try to bring the situation under control.