News

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging flood affected communities along the North Coast and Northern Rivers to remain vigilant as multiple rivers are expected to reach their minor flood peaks in coming days.  

Minor flooding is currently occurring on the Wilsons, Richmond and Orara Rivers where significant rainfall has led to river level rises. Conditions have started to ease following intense rainfall, particularly in Lismore where the low-pressure system dumped 100mm of rain overnight.  There are possible storms expected on Monday, and with already wet catchments, this could also lead to renewed river level rises and flash flooding. 

Since the event commenced, NSW SES volunteers have responded to 638 calls for assistance and five flood rescues. The majority of incidents have been for fallen trees, leaking roofs and flood related incidents.  Over the last 24hours NSW SES volunteers were also busy door knocking residents and monitoring river conditions. 

At Coraki, where the Richmond River is expected to peak at Minor flood level on Monday, the NSW SES have warned campers at a caravan park to move to higher ground. 

NSW SES Incident Controller, Superintendent Scott McLennan said the effects of flooding will continue to be experienced over the coming days.  

“While we are not anticipating the minor flooding will cause any isolations to towns or villages in the Northern Rivers, we will see some roads impacted by rain and flash flooding during this weather event,” Superintendent McLennan said. 

“Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures. There may be damage to roads, bridges and buildings following this rainfall and flooding. There is also the risk of landslips in areas where the floodwaters are yet to peak. 

With school holidays currently underway in NSW and ending in Queensland today, there is an increase in holidaymakers on the roads this afternoon driving on potentially unfamiliar, and potentially flooded roads.  

“The NSW SES is urging people travelling through the Northern Rivers and North Coast to keep up to date with local road closures due to flooding by visiting live Traffic website and to most importantly never drive through a flooded road; always turn around and find an alternate route. 

“We want travelers to make safe decisions while staying in caravan parks and camp sites where there may be localised flooding or near any trees or branches – avoid setting up in flood prone or low lying areas near creeks and rivers.”   

People are reminded to download the Hazards Near Me app and set up local watch zones to stay across the latest warnings and information or visit ses.nsw.gov.au  

For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).