Severe thunderstorms are likely to affect many parts of the state during Friday, and have already caused damage in the rural cities of Tamworth and Broken Hill. In addition a Flood Warning has been issued for the Paroo River and a Flood Watch for possible minor to moderate flooding for the Gwydir and Macintyre Rivers.
FLOOD WARNING
The Paroo River has had a minor flood warning issued. This will result in Willara Crossing being closed to all traffic over the weekend. The river is expected to peak at 1.0m on Monday 1 December and then to slowly fall. Motorists intending to drive in this area should check road conditions prior to commencing their journey.
FLOOD WATCH
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, further rain and scattered thunderstorms with locally heavy falls are predicted for these catchments during Friday and into Saturday.
These predicted falls come on top of good rainfall over the past 2 weeks, which has already produced some river rises, and could result in :
1. Minor to moderate flooding along the lower Gwydir River at Gravesend and downstream.
2. Minor flooding along streams in the Macintyre Valley at Ashford, Inverell and downstream.
STORM RESPONSE
At approximately 11am a severe storm dumped golf ball sized hail and torrential rain on Broken Hill in the far west of the state. Several homes are threatened by flash flooding with the SES sandbagging properties, assisted by the local council. Because most of the roofs in town are of iron rather than tile, roof damage from the hail has been relatively minor. The SES has received 21 requests for assistance. Many dirt roads in the unincorporated area are closed and peole intending to travel in this area should check road conditions before commencing their journey.
In Tamworth 75mm of rain fell over several hours resulting in flash flooding and leaking roofs. The SES sandbagged several properties due to flash flooding. The SES has received 24 calls for assistance with most tasks now completed. The Tamworth SES Unit is receiving assistance from the Manilla SES Unit in the completion of these tasks.
The SES is attending the Condobolin Hospital where a leaking roof has been reported. There are also reports of trees down and leaking roofs in other parts of the Riverina.
Should emergency assistance be required due to floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500.
