The Bureau of Meteorology has extended the Flood Watch to include the Hastings and the Macleay rivers for minor to moderate flooding.
Minor to moderate main river flooding is also possible in the following river valleys during Friday/Saturday:
1. Tweed River Valley
2. Brunswick River Valley
3. Richmond and Wilsons Valleys
4. Clarence (including the Orara) River valley
5. Coffs Creek - Coffs Harbour
6. Nambucca River Valley
Flood Warnings are current for the Bellinger River and for Coffs Creek for minor flooding.
A Severe Weather Warning for possible flooding is also current for the NSW northern rivers and mid north coast.
The SES is ensuring that sufficient volunteer resources and equipment are available in the areas likely to be affected by flooding. This includes the provision of additional operational staff. Door knocking of properties has been undertaken in Coffs Harbour at Gundagai place, Gundagai Street and Loaders Lane as well as at the Neranga School. This doorknocking is a precaution only and no evacuations are occuring.
Some residents of the Coffs Harbour area have requested sandbags, although rain there has eased in the past hour. There have been approximately 50 requests for assistance tothe SES state-wide in the past 24 hours.
This Flood Watch means that 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
