Editors note: Vision of flood operations available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/lc2uFllmTR
A search will resume this morning at Limpinwood after a vehicle was swept off a causeway by floodwater last night. At around 9:30pm NSW SES and emergency services attended the scene. In water operators located the vehicle, with no occupants. NSW SES will be assisting NSW Police with the search this morning.
Minor flooding is now occurring on the Bellinger River, with some isolations expected at Darkwood.
At Wingham, Forsteron and Bandon Grove some properties have been isolated due to local roads and bridges being cut by flood water.
Since the onset of bad weather last Wednesday, NSW SES has received 8,292 incidents. The majority have been for fallen trees blocking roads and damaging property and vehicles.
Rain and scattered showers are persisting in the state’s Northern Rivers, but is expected to ease later this morning.
A Flood Watch warning remains in effect. The catchments likely to be affected include the Orara River, Coffs Coast, Bellinger River, Kalang River, Wollombi Brook, and Lower Hunter River.
NSW SES crews and emergency service partners have made considerable progress clearing incidents over the weekend. We still have 260 incidents outstanding in Metro Zone, and 233 incidents outstanding in Northern Zone.
INCIDENTS
Incidents in the last 24 hours (to 5am): 1692
- Metro Zone: 890
- North Eastern Zone: 59
- North Western Zone: 13
- Northern Zone: 602
- South Eastern Zone: 57
- Southern Zone: 14
- Western Zone: 55
- State Headquarters: 2
Total: 1692
Flood rescues: 7
Flood rescues:
- Two persons trapped in a vehicle with water rising – Bulahdelah
- Vehicle in water with male standing on roof – Mount George
- Two adults isolated by flood water seeking evacuation – Bulahdelah
- Animal flood rescue to move thirty cattle to higher ground with a boat – Bendolba (Chichester dam area)
- Animal flood rescue with cattle isolated – Dungog
- Animal flood rescue ten cows entering flood waters - Bulahdelah
Safety messages:
- Flash flooding can occur very quickly and without warning – if you come across a flooded road you should turn around, find an alternative route or delay your travel.
- Holiday makers in caravan parks and campsites near rivers, creeks and low lying areas are advised to monitor conditions and be prepared to follow advice of emergency services.
- Avoid camping near water and under trees as rivers and creeks could rise quickly and without much warning.
- Stay away from fallen trees and powerlines.
- If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route. Never drive, walk or play in flood waters.
- Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without an official warning. Monitor rainfall in your areas and avoid travelling during heavy rain.
- Download the Hazards Near Me App or visit ses.nsw.gov.au to stay across the latest warnings and information.
- The NSW SES is available to assist communities during bad weather.
- For assistance from the NSW SES during floods or storms, call 132 500. For life threatening situations call Triple 0.
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234