NSW SES members are continuing to help flood-affected communities as major flooding and record rainfall hits parts of North East NSW.
There are currently 16 evacuation orders in place, affecting over 26,000 people, and 5 evacuation warnings in place, also affected 12,000 people in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast. NSW SES continues to respond to requests for assistance from the community with the support of our partner agencies, and have responded to more than 1300 jobs since midnight last night, including 69 flood rescues.
In the Northern Rivers, many of our members, whose homes were also flooded only a month ago, have been assisting. Major flooding has inundated Lismore for the second time in a month, with the levee overtopped this morning, and flash flooding has inundated parts of Ballina and Byron Bay. While rain has eased, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned heavy bursts of showers are still possible throughout the day.
For the rest of today, the focus has shifted to the Mid North Coast, with some locations experiencing intense localised rainfall and potentially life-threatening flash and riverine flooding. The Bureau has said the weather system remains dynamic and there is uncertainty as to where the heaviest rain will fall. In addition to the wet weather, strong winds are expected along the coast throughout the week, and there is risk of landslips and falling trees. Transport for NSW has urged motorists avoid travel in flood-affected areas due to many major roads damaged by rainfall and subsequent landslips.
NSW SES has deployed additional people, vehicles, boats and helicopters to affected areas, however we urge communities to take action as early as possible as weather systems can change quickly.
Stay up-to-date with the latest information by listening to emergency services, checking the NSW SES website, NSW SES Facebook page, your local SES Facebook page, Live Traffic, listening to your local news and staying in touch with your community leaders. Do not drive through flood water.
Photo: The Mortons Creek Rd bridge on the beechwood side is well under-water this morning.
Photo: Lismore levee overflowing, photo taken 11:50 am.
