A landslide at the Black Arch, road flooding in the town and a burst river bank were the most serious incidents recorded in the area, according to the authorities.

The Coast Road flooded at Glenarm, according to the PSNI, and the Old Glenarm Road in Larne flooded after a nearby river burst its banks.

A Roads Service spokeswoman confirmed that the Coast Road was closed on Saturday evening through to early Sunday morning after a landslide near the Black Arch.

Northern Ireland Water, the body responsible for all sewerage and water services, did not receive any flooding reports from Larne, according to a spokeswoman.

A Rivers Agency spokesman said that the department was not in a position to provide a full update on the effects of the torrential weather.

A statement said that staff had been deployed across Northern Ireland, although it appears there were no call-outs necessary in the Larne area.

The Housing Executive received over 300 calls for assistance, the majority of which involved roof leaks and blocked drains. Again, Larne Borough appears to have escaped the worst of the weather's effects.

The Executive this week announced an emergency payment scheme to help those hit by severe flooding.

Northern Ireland was deluged by almost one month's worth of rainfall in 12 hours on Saturday.

Roads Service, Northern Ireland Water, the Rivers Agency and the Housing Executive are working with the emergency services and borough councils.

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson - whose department will administer the emergency payment scheme - said: "Ministers have agreed that, as in the wake of the June 2007 floods, funds will be made available to local councils to help those most affected by this weekend's serious floods.

"I have been in contact with colleagues in the Executive and we are in agreement that funding should be made available through local councils to help people most severely affected to get back on their feet again and to assist them in ensuring their homes are habitable."

The money will be released to councils as and when the most serious cases have been identified.

Mr Wilson continued: "Detailed guidance on the operation of the scheme has now issued to all 26 local councils. Individual householders will be eligible for a £1,000 payment as an offer of practical assistance to those who have suffered severe inconvenience, to ensure homes are made habitable as quickly as possible. It is not a compensation payment.

"If you feel that you may be entitled to the payment, contact your local council as soon as possible so that an urgent inspection may be arranged. If the council decides that your claim is eligible, you will receive your payment within a matter of days."

Mr Wilson added that his department will reimburse local councils for any monies paid out to householders and for the costs of providing assistance and advice.