Heavy rainfall with flash flooding hit the region this morning, impacting Byron Bay, Ballina, Mullumbimby, Alstonville and Brunswick Heads.
The NSW SES said in a media release: ‘51.0 mm was recorded at Repentance (Coopers Creek) in the 30 minutes to 8:41pm’.
What are we expecting?
‘The Bureau of Meteorology advised a slow moving line of heavy showers and isolated
thunderstorms has developed in the Northern Rivers. The line is slowly moving to the north and will produce isolated areas of heavy rainfall throughout the morning.
‘This event may change quickly. NSW SES will monitorthe situation and update warnings if the situation changes.
Byron Shore Council said in a media release, ‘Heavy rain causes localised flash flooding in Byron Shire’
‘Unexpected heavy rain today (Friday 13 March) caused localised flash flooding in parts of the Byron Shire including Bangalow, Byron Bay and Suffolk Park.
‘The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 115mm of rain at Byron Bay over four-hours from 9am with Coopers Shoot recording 117mm.
‘There was a rapid rise in water in parts of the Byron Bay town centre with Council and contractors bringing in pumps and sandbags around the worksite for the Byron Bay drainage project.
“Byron Bay is particularly susceptible to flash flooding during heavy rain because the old drainage system cannot cope with the volume of water,” Phil Holloway, Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, said.
“It’s this type of flash flooding that the Byron Bay Drainage Project is designed to reduce, and the weather certainly caused some challenges for contractors at the work site on Jonson Street this morning.
“What was frustrating to see were some people driving fast pushing stormwater back to already overflowing gutters.
“While we are working on replacing drainage infrastructure, the town’s drainage remains connected to outlets, but the problem today was that the stormwater pipes couldn’t cope with the amount of rain in such a short period of time,” Mr Holloway said.
“I am pleased to report that Mullumbimby Road was not impacted by flash flooding today, thanks to the recent major upgrade of the road,” he said.
‘People wanting to check the status of roads, river heights and flood cameras on Myocum Road, Mullumbimby Road, Left Bank Road and Main Arm Road should go to Council’s Emergency Dashboard.’
What you need to do:
‘Avoid unnecessary travel, move indoors, bring children and pets with you.
‘Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
If safe to do so, secure or put away items, such as outdoorfurniture, trampolines and
roofing iron that could blow around in strong winds.
‘Grab your emergency kit in case you lose power or need to leave your home.
‘For more information:
‘Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found atreception.abc.net.au
‘Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones to get warning
information for your areas.
‘Follow us on social media @NSWSES or visit our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
‘Check latest weather and warnings at Bureau of Meteorology
‘Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or yourlocal Council.
‘Check disruptions to public transport at www.transportnsw.info/alerts or call the
TransportInfoline on 131 500
‘Find more information on power outages at www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/guides-
and-helpful-advice/electricity-supply-disruptions/what-do-during-electricity
‘For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500.
In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000)’.
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