The SES says that heavy rainfall since Saturday over the Lismore River catchment has caused river rises, and minor flooding is likely in the Wilsons River.
Further rainfall is possible over the coming days, and this may lead to further rises.
The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) was at 4.25 metres at 3.50am today and rising. The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) may reach around 5.00 metres this afternoon with minor flooding. Further rises are possible.
Lismore City Council has advised motorists and business owners in low lying areas of the CBD to be aware of the risk of flash flooding as the Wilsons River rises – Council closed levee gates yesterday afternoon.
The BOM forecasted heavy rain overnight and Lismore City Council’s Local Emergency Management Officer Scott Turner said that council staff closed the levee gates meaning that the heavy rain falling directly in the Lismore basin could cause flash flooding in the CBD similar to what we experienced just before Christmas.
Motorists are advised not to park their vehicles in low-lying areas around Dawson Street and Uralba Street and CBD businesses affected by the pre-Christmas flash flood are advised to be ready to move equipment, vehicles and stock to higher ground.
What the SES is expecting
Wilsons River:
Minor flooding is expected along the Wilsons River.
• People upstream of the Rowing Club River Gauge should allow for a level at least 1⁄2 metre higher than the gauge reading due to the flood slope.
• Residents and businesses in the Lismore Basin may experience localised flash flooding prior to river rises.
• A number of low lying rural roads will be flooded.
Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology it is expected the following
locations will be affected:
At Lismore:
Minor is at 4.2m (Rowing Club Gauge)
• Low lying farmland and rural properties
• Hensley Car Park next to Sportspower near Fawcett’s Bridge
• Lower Rowing Club Car Park
• Bridge St next to McKenzie Park in North Lismore
• Orion St near Simes Bridge
• Simes Bridge
• Bridge Street at Slater Creek
• Trinity College Car Park on Brunswick St
Why don’t the Kyogle area receive the Echo any longer