Update 9am Saturday: The State Emergency Service says the weather emergency on the north coast has passed after the east coast low that battered the region on Friday with violent winds and drenching rain has moved south.
The Richmond Tweed SES responded to 11 flood rescues in the Northern Rivers district overnight, and reporrs that everyone is now safe and well.
Volunteers responded to more 200 calls for help, this is expected to spike again this morning as residents awake to find overnight storm damage to their homes .
Yesterday there were 12 rescues in our region, including a car accident on flooded Wyrallah Road.
Other incidents included two people being bitten by animals, and several others trying to cross flooded bridges and roads.
If you require emergency assistance due to storm damage call the NSW SES on 132 500.
The rain gauge at Echonetdaily’s Binna Burra weather station saw 150mm of rain falling in the 24 hours to 9am.
The bureau says there is still a high (80 per cent) chance of showers today, heavy at times and becoming less likely late this afternoon and evening. There is also a chance of thunderstorms.
Winds will be east to southeasterly 35 to 50 km/h decreasing to 25 to 35 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the early afternoon. A gale warning remains in place for the Byron coast.
A minor flood warning remains in place for the Tweed River and a moderate flood warning for the Wilsons River at Lismore.
The bureau advises the Brunswick River has peaked below minor flood levels.
Earlier report: At 10pm Friday, the NSW State Emergency Service issued a recommendation that residents within New Brighton, Golden Beach and Billinudgel and low-lying parts of Ocean Shores, should prepare to evacuate.
The SES emphasises that this is not an order to evacuate. Rather residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so.
A flood evacuation order will be issued by the NSW SES if evacuation is required.
Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements.
For people who need assistance an evacuation centre will be setup by Family and Community Services if an Evacuation Order is issued.
As you prepare for evacuation you should:
– Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches. Put electrical items on top. You may be able to place light weight items in the roof space.
– Collect together medicines, personal and financial documents, mementos and photos
– If possible, check to see if your neighbours need help.
– Make arrangements for care of pets or other animals, or take your pets with you when you evacuate.
– Take three days’ supply of clothing, medicines and personal hygiene products.
– If you are planning to go to the evacuation centre, take blankets/sleeping bags, pillows and sleeping mats.
– Find out where to turn off the electricity and gas.
– Continue to listen to a local radio station for updates.
Never drive ride or walk through floodwater
For emergency assistance telephone the NSW SES on 132 500 or visit the Richmond Tweed SES Facebook page.
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