Following heavy rain over the weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings for the Bellinger, Nambucca and Orara Rivers.
Light to moderate rainfall has continued to fall over the Bellinger, Nambucca and Clarence Valleys this morning. The rain is expected to ease later today.
Bellinger River
An average of 60 millimetres of rain has fallen over the catchment in the last 24 hours with higher totals being recorded in the upper reaches of the Never Never Creek. Rain has eased since 6am today with additional moderate rainfall expected over the next 12 hours.
At the Thora gauge the Bellinger river is expected to rise to around 4.0 metres later this afternoon. Some 1200 people in the Darkwood area upstream of Thora are isolated with the SES monitoring their welfare. Resupply of isolated properties will occur if required.
At Bellingen (Lavenders Bridge) the Bellinger River is expected to reach 4.0 metres between midday and 3pm today with minor flooding. Lavenders Bridge is open at this stage.
Urunga will remain below minor flood level at this stage.
Orara River
Over 100 millimetres of rain has fallen on the Orara River catchment over the past 24 hours. Additional moderate falls are possible over the next 12 hours which could produce further river rises at Glenreagh.
The Nymboida Unit will conduct a reconnaissance of the area this morning and has a regular resupply schedule in place should it become necessary. There is significant localised flooding downstream of Glenreagh in the Coutts Crossing area with approximately 500 people are isolated in the Orara area. A number of roads are closed due to flood waters, including McPhersons Crossing, Kungala Road, Mulquinneys Road, Orara Way at Bluffs Bridge and Poleys Bridge. Glenreagh is still accessible from Coffs Harbour.
Nambucca River
Up to 166 millimetres of rain has fallen over the Nambucca River in the past 72 hours to 9 am today (22/06/09). However, rain has eased since 6am this morning. This rain is expected to cause moderate flooding at Bowraville, where the Nambucca River should reach the moderate flood level (5.8 metres) around midday today.
Flood Warnings
The latest flood warnings can be found at the Bureau of Meteorology website.
For emergency assistance in floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500. In life threatening emergencies call 000 immediately.
