The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to more than 115 incidents in the past 24 hours, in response to the impacts of storms and flooding in the north east of the state.
Flood rescue operators have completed 27 rescues in the Northern Rivers since yesterday, however no significant injuries have been reported.
Heavy rainfall included 307mm at Limpinwood (Bald Mountain), and in many other parts of the Northern Rivers rain exceeded 200 mm, which led to flash flooding.
There has also been some seen minor to moderate riverine flooding on the Tweed, Wilsons and Richmond Rivers, with the most significant impact at Tumbulgum overnight.
The flood threat hasn’t completely abated as we continue to see rises across the various catchments. Further warnings are likely throughout the day as water moves along the Tweed River towards Tumbulgum and the Richmond River moves towards Coraki and surrounds, possibly exceeding minor flood levels on Tuesday night.
The Wilsons River at Lismore is currently below minor levels but still rising. It may reach the minor level of 4.2 metres on Tuesday morning.
Minor flooding is still possible on the Tweed River at Chinderah coinciding with the high tide this afternoon.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey ESM said while the intense rainfalls experienced yesterday were not expected today, the risk was not over.
“Catchments in and around the Northern Rivers continue to see the impacts of significant rainfall over the past 24 to 48 hours, and we’re expecting flood warnings to continue across the region,” Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
“People in the Northern Rivers should heed the direction emergency services on the ground, never drive through floodwaters and avoid unnecessary travel today.”
Flood rescue specialists have been deployed to the region to assist, and prepositioned teams and assets remain on the ground throughout the Northern Rivers responding to calls for assistance. Crews will continue to monitor river conditions and conduct any damage assessments.
The NSW SES has issued an alert to people in and around those areas to inform them of their risk.
Operational Statistics 24 hours to 5am 2 January 2024:
Total incidents: 115
Flood Rescues: 27
North Eastern Zone: 64
Metro Zone: 28
North Western Zone: 5
Northern Zone: 7
South Eastern Zone: 5
Southern Zone: 4
Western Zone: 2
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
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