An Evacuation Centre is now operating at the Ocean Shores Country Club (Sunday 27 March from 6pm) as a precaution, following severe weather warnings for the Northern Rivers this evening and more bad weather predicted over coming days.
The Ocean Shores Country Club is located on Orana Road, Ocean Shores.
"The SES and Department of Justice and Communities have activated the Ocean Shores Country Club evacuation centre for the Byron Shire this evening ahead of bad weather predicted overnight," Byron Shire Council's Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.
"Given the severity of our recent flood event and the amount of water already in our catchment, SES and the Department are taking extra precautions so that a centre is operational should it be needed in the night or early hours of Monday morning.
"The centre will remain open over coming days while this weather system plays out," he said.
"I urge Byron Shire residents keep themselves informed with the Bureau of Meteorology and SES updates, local ABC Radio and Council's Emergency Dashboard," Mr Holloway said.
SES UPDATE – 4:05pm Sunday 27 March 2022
Current situation
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for Minor to Moderate flooding across parts of the Northern Rivers. This Flood Watch provides early advice of possible flooding. Check the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest warning information at www.bom.gov.au.
Extremely wet catchments, combined with recent widespread rainfall and localised heavy falls means that predicted further rainfall could lead to flash flooding, renewed riverine flooding and landslips and if there is damaging winds, then potential fallen trees and powerlines.
How the NSW SES is preparing for this severe weather event
Extremely wet catchments with recent widespread rainfall and localised heavy falls means that predicted further rainfall can lead to flash flooding, renewed riverine flooding, landslips and if there is damaging winds, then potential fallen trees and powerlines.
The NSW SES has established major incident response centres in anticipation of the weather. Planning and preparation are well underway by the NSW SES Incident Management Teams. Additional vehicles, vessels and people have been deployed into the Northern Rivers areas to assist and support local NSW SES teams.
We are closely monitoring the impacts of potential further weather events would have on the recovery efforts and working with Resilience NSW and other recovery partners and agencies.
Community safety information
Every flood is different. Impacts from the recent floods have meant that conditions and environments may have changed. Future floods may be different than expected or experienced.
Catchments in Northern NSW are still saturated, and it will only take a small amount of rain to see renewed river rises or flash flooding.
There is the potential for landslides due to soggy and saturated soil.
With expected wind in the coming days this could result in trees uprooting.
Act early if you live in an area impacted by flooding or that is likely to be isolated.
If you live in a low-lying area, consider moving items to higher parts of your house. Consider what you will take with you if you need to leave your property.
Prepare sandbags early to help divert water if flooding is likely to affect your property.
If your property has been damaged during recent floods and does not provide adequate protection from heavy rainfall, consider staying with friends or family.
As the weather intensifies, clean-up efforts may be impacted. Recovery items located in low-lying areas may need to be moved to higher ground.
Keep clear and move away from trees or unsecured structures during storms or periods of wind.
If warnings are issued for your area, follow the directions of emergency services, and check on your neighbours to ensure they have received critical emergency messages.
Farmers should make arrangements early to move livestock to higher locations.
Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. If flash flooding traps you, seek refuge in the highest possible place and call 000 if you need rescue.
As the weather intensifies, roads may be closed due to flooding.
Plan ahead for any necessary travel – check for road closures. Always drive to the road conditions – Never drive around barriers or through flood or damaged roads.
Be aware of your surroundings, monitor weather conditions closely and make the safe decision for you and your family.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
Keep up to date and informed at Council's Emergency Dashboard.
