Motorists and business owners in low lying areas of the CBD are advised to be aware of the risk of flash flooding overnight as the Wilsons River rises and Council close levee gates this evening.
Carparks on the riverside of the levee have already been closed.
The BOM is forecasting heavy rain overnight and the Wilsons River is predicted to reach the minor flood level of 4.2m later tonight and may reach 5m tomorrow, Lismore City Council's Local Emergency Management Officer Scott Turner said this afternoon.
"We will commence closing levee gates this evening and this means heavy rain falling directly in the Lismore basin could cause flash flooding in the CBD similar to what we experienced just before Christmas," he said.
Motorists are advised not to park their vehicles in low-lying areas around Dawson Street and Uralba Street and CBD businesses affected by the pre-Christmas flash flood are advised to be ready to move equipment, vehicles and stock to higher ground.
Residents are urged to monitor conditions and be prepared for potential flash flooding.
In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
- NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
- Local road closures: www.myroadinfo.com.au
- RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
- Latest River Heights and Rainfall observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northcoast.shtml
- Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
- Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
