According to the Bureau of Meteorology, up to 141 millimetres of rain has fallen during the past 15 hours to 9 am this morning. However, the rain intensity has increased significantly since 6am this morning in the Bellinger River catchment. Further heavy rain is forecast for the next 24 hours.
This rain is expected to cause minor to moderate 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.
The Bellinger River at Thora is rising quickly and this has cut access for the five hundred residents of the Darkwood area upstream of Thora. These people were asked yesterday to stock up on essential items including fuel, food and medicines ahead of possible isolation. The SES will closely monitor the residents and provide assistance should this be required.
Bureau of Meteorology predicted river heights:
Thora - reach moderate flood level (4.3 metres) between noon and pm this afternoon based on forecast rain
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
