Victims of Saturday’s freak downpours were last night praying that more rain would not bring further flooding misery.

Weather experts last night forecast more heavy rain to fall across the province before the completion of a massive clean-up operation to deal with thousands of households affected by flash flooding.

The Met Office issued a warning for parts of Northern Ireland to be prepared for severe weather throughout last night.

Up to 15mm of rain was expected to fall within three hours in some areas.

The new warning came 48 hours after torrential rain had led to widespread flooding in Northern Ireland, causing disruption for motorists and householders.

However, the showers were predicted to lighten up overnight.

Kevin Hogg, a Met Office forecaster, said: “There is a moderate risk of further disruption across Northern Ireland during Monday, as a result of further outbreaks of fairly heavy rain, especially during the afternoon and evening.

“Outbreaks of heavy rain will affect eastern parts of Northern Ireland giving 15 mm in 3 hours in places.”

Mr Hogg added that the rain would be heavy at times but should turn lighter throughout the night.

Showers were expected to become confined to the north, and the South Down area while patchy mist or fog will develop where skies are clear.

“The showers are expected to continue for most of the week, however they should become lighter and more scattered across Northern Ireland.

“They will be on and off and it will become a little bit brighter.

“On Wednesday there will be some more scattered showers.”

Mr Hogg added: “The rain over the next day or so should not be as heavy as was seen during the weekend.”

Nearly a month's rain fell in just a few hours on Saturday afternoon causing rivers to burst their banks in counties Antrim, Down and Londonderry.

The public were last night advised to take extra care and refer to the NI Rivers Agency for further advice on flooding, and also to Traffic Watch (NI) for further advice on road conditions.

Up-to-date traffic information can be obtained for the Roads Service Traffic Information Line 08457123321 and also from the website at www.trafficwatchni. com