Major flooding has isolated 1800 people as evacuation routes have been cut, as ex Tropical Cyclone continues to bring heavy rain to northern NSW.
A further 18,500 people across have been advised to prepare for isolations due to rising flood water.
Across the North East of the state, 20,300 people (or 9400 dwellings) are still currently under emergency warnings advising them to evacuate.
Significant flooding is occurring on the Clarence River, with Emergency warnings advising people to shelter in place for people living on Carrs Island, Grafton, and downstream on Harwood, Chatworth, Warregah and Goodwood Islands. Residents on these islands will be isolated until flood waters recede.
Along the Richmond River, residents at Bungawalbin have been advised it is too late to leave the area and to seek refuge at higher ground due to major flooding. Major flooding is also occurring at Coraki.
Very heavy rain has fallen overnight in Queensland and in the Tweed Valley. This rainfall has renewed flood levels across the region and is expected to last well across Monday in a number of places including Tumbulgum. Residents were advised to evacuate Tumbulgum four days ago and should avoid returning until the flood waters recede.
Further south, the Macleay River may reach moderate flood levels at Kempsey and Smithtown, with residents advised to prepare to evacuate. Isolations are also possible at Hat Head, Crescent Head and South West Rocks due to flood waters across roads.
Meanwhile a flood watch for minor flooding in the state’s north west and central west is in place. Minor flooding is possible along the Upper Macintyre River, Gwydir River, Macintyre River, Peel River, Namoi River and Castlereagh River. The NSW SES has prepositioned flood rescue boats and rescue operators at high-risk locations.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said the overall situation with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is looking more promising than it was a few days ago.
“We’re very glad to see some warnings reduced over the weekend, allowing some residents to return with caution in parts of Lismore, Kygole, Wiangaree, Arrawarra Beach, Darlington Beach and other locations as conditions have eased,” Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.
“However, we’re not out the woods just yet, major flooding and isolations are still occurring across many communities, and the predicted risk of heavy rain to continue throughout Monday and possibly into Tuesday will only exacerbate this risk.
“We may see renewed river rises, but we’re hoping we have seen the worst of the rain from this event.
“As conditions improve, NSW SES will be working with communities throughout the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast to ensure resident are able to return safely where possible “
“Our volunteers will be out in force on Monday cleaning up residual storm and tree jobs and continuing damage assessments.
Residents who are isolated and need assistance or resupply following floods should call the NSW SES on 132 500.
CURRENT WARNINGS
Total: 139
Advice: 40
Watch and Act: 76
Emergency: 23
INCIDENTS
In the last 24 hours: 657
Flood rescues: 17
Breakdown by zone:
Metro Zone: 14
North Eastern Zone: 546
Northern Zone: 56
North Western Zone: 15
South Eastern Zone: 7
Southern Zone:6
State Headquarters: 6
Western Zone: 7
For the latest warnings and information download the Hazards Near Me App or visit ses.nsw.gov.au