The Tweed/Byron areas are now on alert and being asked by the SES to act now and prepare for flash flooding today and over the next few days.
With the BOM predicting heavy rainfall, possible thunderstorms and an East Coast low on Tuesday/Wednesday, an Emergency Operations Centre has been activated for the Tweed/Byron Area.
Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway, said several communities around the Byron Shire were already cut off and isolated due to flash flooding and water over their roads including parts of Main Arm, The Pocket and Mullumbimby. Left Bank Rd Mullumbimby was also flooded and likely to be impassable at some time today. Areas impacted include:
- Main Arm at Coral Ave Mullumbimby – flooded and impassable
- Mullumbimby Rd – water over road
- Main Arm and The Pocket Communities – isolated due to water over road
- Billinudgel – water over road.
- Myocum Road Myocum – water over road.
- Coolamon Scenic Drive has been blocked off at The Tunnel Road, between Ocean Shores and Mullumbimby.
Byron Shire residents are reminded to regularly check the Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard website for the most up-to-date information from the BOM and the SES.
“There will be water over the roads in other parts of the Byron Shire that have not yet been called in, so I remind everyone that these are dangerous conditions that can be life threatening, so if it’s flooded, forget it,” Mr Holloway said.
“We’re also getting reports of debris and fallen rocks on roads around the Shire, so please be on extra alert if you must drive around today,” he said.
“We are carefully monitoring our sewer and water facilities and operations and will keep the community informed,” Mr Holloway said.
The SES is asking people not to drive, walk or ride through flood waters and to keep clear of creeks and storm drains. People needing emergency help in floods and storms should call the SES on 132 500.
To report flooded roads, trees across roads or damage to Council infrastructure people should call Council during office hours on 02 6626 7000 or use the Report It tab on Council’s website.
The number to report after hours emergencies relating to Council infrastructure is 02 6622 7022.
