The NSW SES advises people in Lismore, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Casino and Kyogle to ‘STAY INFORMED’ about predicted dangerous and unexpected flash flooding on the Northern Rivers.
The SES says residents and visitors should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to the local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.
What to expect
The Bureau of Meteorology advises Weather Situation: A high-pressure system moving into the Tasman Sea is directing persistent and very humid east-to-south easterly winds across northeastern parts of New South Wales.
Persistent showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, further supported by an upper trough to the west, are expected to continue during Monday.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands districts during Monday.
Three to six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 160 mm are possible, with isolated 24-hourly totals exceeding 250 mm possible.
The heaviest rainfall will be associated with shower and thunderstorm activity, which is likely to be somewhat hit-and-miss in nature across the warning area, though more likely about the ranges.
These conditions are expected to ease during Tuesday.
Localised intense rainfall is possible under areas of persistent heavy thunderstorms.
Separate severe thunderstorm warnings may be issued to highlight areas of intense falls if they are expected.
Flood Watch and Flood Warning products are current for parts of the warning area.
Significant 24 hour rainfall to 9am: 307 mm at Limpinwood; 297 mm at Numinbah; 205 mm Coffs Harbour Airport, and; 190 mm Sawtell.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters: Low-lying roads, culverts, causeways and camping grounds along creeks
What you need to do:
If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
If you have a Home and/or Business Emergency Plan, review it now. Otherwise, have a conversation and plan for what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures and water over roads and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel.
Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in flood water – it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it’s flooded, forget it. Fines may apply.
Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.
People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise their assets, including waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights.
Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare where possible.
If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now.
Farmers should consider moving pumps and farm equipment to higher ground.
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.
For more information:
For emergency help in floods, storms and tsunamis, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.
In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
This is an Advice level warning. The NSW SES utilises the Australian Warning System to warn communities about severe weather, flooding and tsunami. Learn more about the warning levels at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/warnings.
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