Parts of the Byron Shire have received more than 280mm rain in the 24 hours to 9am this morning and this is having an impact on some roads, particularly in the Byron Bay area.
The heavy rain, in conjunction with a large high tide, has caused flooding in some areas.
Byron Shire Council’s crews are continuing to clear drains and manage the various roads issues, with staff also working through the night responding to emergencies.
Earlier this week (Monday 3 February) Council scraped the entrance to Belongil Creek in anticipation of heavy rain. Further work was done yesterday (6 February) to help the sand bar burst just after 3pm yesterday afternoon.
The large high tide and heavy seas, particularly have restricted the flow of water from Belongil Creek to the ocean and this has contributed to the flooding in Byron Bay.
Tallow Creek at Suffolk Park opened naturally to the ocean around 4am.
Council also has staff inspecting infrastructure across the Shire, checking for flood and water damage. This includes sewer and water infrastructure as well as areas in the hinterland that are prone to land slips.
“We did receive a lot of rain in a relatively short timeframe and this will always causes problems but we are working as fast as we can to get things back to normal,” Phil Warner, Acting Director Infrastructure Services, said.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a severe weather warning for the Northern Rivers.
The BoM said the weather system has the potential to cause minor flooding in the Tweed and Brunswick Rivers and the Marshalls Creek catchments.
Byron Shire residents in flood-prone areas should go to www.bom.gov.au
