Severe Weather Continues on NSW North Coast

A Severe Thunderstorm warning was issued at 1515 hrs today for flash flooding for the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Northern Tablelands, North West Slopes, North West Plains, and parts of the Central West Slopes and Central West Plains.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce very heavy rainfall and flash flooding. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Narrabri.

A Flood Watch is current for NSW coastal rivers from the Tweed to the Hastings River Valley.

Minor to moderate main river flooding is possible in the following river Valleys during Friday/Saturday:

1. Tweed River Valley

2. Brunswick River Valley

3. Richmond and Wilsons Valleys

4. Nambucca River Valley

5. Macleay River Valley

6. Hastings River Valley

Bellinger–currently has a minor flood warning in place. Up to 150 millimetres of rain has fallen during the past 21 hours to 3.00pm today. However, the rain intensity has decreased since 9.00am this morning.

At Thora the river level has fallen below its minor flood level (3.0 metres). At Bellingen, the river level peaked near 4.3 metres around 1300 hrs today, and has just fallen below its minor flood level (3.7 metres). Further heavy rain is forecast for the next 24 hours which could produce renewed rises later today.

Coffs Creek–currently has a minor flood warning in place. Up to 162 millimetres of rain fell overnight. However, the rain intensity has eased since 9.00am this morning. Coffs Creek at the Pacific Highway Peaked near 2.7 metres and is now falling. Further heavy rain is forecast for the next 24 hours which could produce renewed river rises.

Orara River–currently has a minor flood warning in place. An average of 70 millimetres of rain fell over the Orara River catchment throughout the morning. River levels at Glenreagh have risen higher than previously expected. Locally heavy rain is expected for the next 24 hours which could produce renewed river rises later today. The Orara River at Glenreagh Bridge is predicted to peak near 6.5 meters around midnight tonight with minor flooding.

Approximately 500 persons remain isolated in the Thora/Darkwood area due to the closure of the Waterfall Way at Hobart Bridge; this may reopen this evening as the river level falls at Thora.