Somewhat ironically, U2's "Beautiful Day" came blaring through the tannoy as heavy rain pounded down on the Ravenhill pitch and the sea of flags, scarves and hats in all corners of the ground created a colourful backdrop for what everyone hoped was going to be a very special European Friday night occasion.

BBC: Ulster restore pride in white jersey

The Rest and Be Thankful section of the A83 has been closed six times in the past five years after heavy rain washed tonnes of debris down the hillside.

BBC: A83 Rest and Be Thankful diversion route 'almost ready'

The match, which had to be concluded a day later than scheduled due to heavy rain at the Welsh course, went down to the wire.

BBC: Europe win Team of the Year award

Behind us there was a wall of rough flagstone that smelled of dirt, of fields in summer with the sun beating down after a heavy rain.

NEWYORKER: The Reptile Garden

St Mary's Church made headlines last month when human bones fell down the cliffside after heavy rain washed away part of the graveyard.

BBC: Landslip at St Mary's Church, Whitby

The opening was delayed after more than 200 trees were brought down along the valley road in the recent heavy snow and rain, and the route became dangerous.

BBC: Snowdrop Valley on Exmoor opens to public after delay

John Kay, from Gloucestershire Highways, said the rain had not been as heavy as expected but a number of trees had come down because of the saturated ground and strong wind.

BBC: A car on the pavement

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said the failure of two water pumps, combined with heavy rain led to the flooding.

BBC: Downpatrick flooding: Clean-up operation under way

Chris Wick, from the Environment Agency, said landfill sites generated gas when waste broke down but 2012 had been exceptionally wet and it was believed heavy rain had increased the gas produced.

BBC: Landfill site (generic)