The Bureau of Meteorology says that they are expecting heavy rainfall and thunderstorm with locally intense falls expected over northeastern NSW from later today.
Residents in flood recovery areas, including Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Lismore, Yamba, Grafton and Coffs Harbour, are being asked to access flood warning broadcasts over the next few days as a coastal trough is expected to deepen over northeastern NSW causing heavy rainfall with embedded thunderstorms.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop over northern parts of northeast New South Wales later today and into early Tuesday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 140 mm are possible, reaching up to 180 mm over coastal areas and ranges.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to dangerous and LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms with six-hourly rainfall totals in excess of 180 mm.
A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.
Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
A Flood Watch is current for parts of northeast New South Wales. For more details, please visit www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings.
Locations that may be affected include Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Lismore, Yamba, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo.
What to do next
The State Emergency Service advises that people:
• Don’t drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
• Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire-affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
• After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
• Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
• For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5pm AEDT Monday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
