According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a slow moving low pressure trough lies over northeast NSW. This is causing very heavy rain in some areas with rainfall totals of 288mm at Coffs Harbour, 182mm at Utungun, 181mm at Crystal Creek (Bellingen) and 159mm at Telegraph Point. It is expected that rain will ease Saturday morning, although further rain areas or scattered showers may be expected along the north coast over the weekend.
The SES has coordinated 37 flood rescues in Coffs Harbour, Urunga and Grafton. The SES has also received approximately 350 requests for assistance from the public. These relate to rescue. evacuation, sandbagging of properties, leaking roofs and damage caused by fallen trees and branches.
Coffs Harbour
Minor flooding is occuring at Coffs Harbour on Coffs Creek after very heavy rain early Friday evening resulted in Coffs Creek rising rapidly. Water levels peaked at 4.43 metres at 9pm. Since then floodwaters have fallen as rainfall has eased. Forty properties were doorknocked and advised to evacuate in Goodenough Terrace, Robin Street, Gundagai Place, Gundagai Street and Loaders Lane. An evacuation centre was established at the Coffs Ex-Services Club for those residents requiring temporary accommodation. In the Coffs Harbour area 31 flood rescues were undertaken by the SES and other emergency services. The SES is asking residents of Coffs Harbour to delay all non-essential travel overnight Friday.
Coffs Creek Flood Warning
Bellinger and Kalang Rivers
Moderate flooding is occuring at Bellingen and minor flooding at Thora. The town of Bellingen (population 2900) is isolated with the Waterfall way between Armidale and the Pacific Hwy at Raleigh closed. Lavenders Bridge between Bellingen and North Bellingen is closed. The community of Darkwood (population 500) on the upper Bellinger River is isolated as are approximately 500 residents on the upper Kalang River. Numerous local roads are closed and non-essential travel in the area should be delayed until conditions improve.
At Urunga on the Lower Bellinger River low set vans at a caravan park have been relocated to high ground. Four flood rescues have been undertaken at Urunga.
Bellinger River Flood Warning
Orara River
Moderate flooding is occuring on the Orara River. Bluff Bridge has been closed by floodwaters. Local roads may be closed by floodwaters.
Orara River Flood Warning
Nambucca River
Moderate flooding is occuring at Bowraville. This has resulted in the isolation of the town of Bowraville (population 900). Local roads are closed by floodwaters and non-essential travel should be delayed.
Nambucca River Flood Warning
