According to the Bureau of Meteorology, up to 120 millimetres of rain has fallen during the past 13 hours to 7 am this morning in the Bellinger River catchment, with rain intensity having increased since 6am this morning. Further heavy rain is forecast for the next 24 hours.
This rain is expected to cause minor flooding at along the Bellinger River early this afternoon with further rises possible into the evening. At this stage it is not possible to predict the flood peak because of uncertainty over how much more rain will fall.
Bureau of Meteorology predicted river heights:
Thora - exceed minor flood level (3 metres) around 1pm this afternoon
Bellingen - reach minor flood level (3.7 metres) by 3pm this afternoon
People living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop. Rural property owners along affected rivers and streams should move livestock to high ground ensuring that they have adequate feed. They should raise pumps and should move equipment above the level of possible floodwaters. Properties that might become isolated should stock up on fuel, food and essential medical supplies.
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au The SES urge that you never drive, ride or walk through floodwaters as they may be deeper or faster flowing than they look and may contain hidden snags and debris.
For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500. In life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
For the latest weather forecast see www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw
