An Initial Minor Flood Warning has been issued for the Macleay River
FLOOD WATCH
Flood Warning Number: 1 was issued at 2.10pm EST on Thursday 22 September 2022
MINOR FLOODING LIKELY AT GEORGES CREEK ON FRIDAY
Moderate to heavy rain in the Upper Macleay on Thursday has produced river level rises in the tributaries of the Macleay River upstream of Georges Creek.
Minor flooding is likely on Friday at Georges Creek.
River level rises have also been observed at Moparrabah, Wittitrin and Turners flat.
River levels at Kempsey are being monitored but are currently expected to remain below minor.
The Macleay River at Georges Creek is likely to exceed the minor flood level (6.00 m) Friday morning. The river level may reach around 6.10 metres 09:00 am Friday with minor flooding.
For up-to-date warnings head to Flood Warning – Macleay River (bom.gov.au)
FORECAST
A Severe Weather Warning is current for the Northern Rivers and parts of Mid North Coast Forecast Districts.
A deep low pressure system over northern NSW is causing rainfall to develop in the northeast.
Isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop about the warning area this afternoon, bringing heavy falls.
Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is expected to develop further about the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast districts during the afternoon.
DRIVING CONDITIONS
Please do not take unnecessary risks and do not drive through flood waters.
If you are in a known flood-prone area, we encourage you to take note of the current conditions and assess if you should implement your flood plan.
Flood damage to road, bridge and drainage infrastructure could be present in several locations, if you are travelling exercise great caution.
Check with RMS www.livetraffic.com or 132 701 for more road status information.
RIVER CROSSINGS
The closure of the following river crossings may occur. Please take care and never drive through flood water.
– Bellbrook Bridge
– Temagog Bridge
– Toorooka Bridge
– Turners Flat Bridge
– Sherwood Bridge
FLOODGATES
Council will CLOSE flood structures during the afternoon on Thursday 22 September 2022.
This will include:
– The floodgates on Kinchela Creek, Belmore River, Christmas Creek and Euroka Creek
– Flood relief gates at Kinchela Creek and Belmore River.
Landholders are encouraged to monitor the situation and act accordingly.
FLOOD CAMERAS
The most recent images from flood cameras on the Macleay River are available at ksc.pub/flood
The flood monitoring camera at Sherwood Bridge, west of Kempsey, is focused on the bridge deck so residents can see if the bridge is being affected by flooding.
Images are updated every 30 minutes. Please note the time stamp is set to Australian Eastern Standard Time NOT to Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Council urges people to:
– Remain cautious on the roads for localised impacts, DO NOT attempt to drive through flood waters or cross flooded bridges.
– Consider the impact of possible road closures and flood isolation on work, family and educational commitments
– Monitor emergency warnings and severe weather updates
– If your property is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or tables, placing electrical items on top
– If you live in a low-lying area and are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so
– Secure outside belongings and before leaving, turn off the power and water and take pets, essential medicines and clothes with you
COUNCIL CREWS MONITORING THE REGION
Council’s work teams are inspecting roads and areas of concern and we will advise of developments in future updates.
Council welcomes advice from residents in outlying areas regarding any concerns which may be reported to Council on 6566 3200 however our Customer Service Centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls so please check that your concerns have not already been addressed online.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life-threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
