The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that the Macleay River at the Kempsey Bridge Gauge will Peak near 7.3 metres at 6am Sunday 24/02/2013 with further rises possible. At these levels the levee at Kempsey will exceed levee height of 6.8 metres tonight 23/02/2013 at 9pm, causing inundation of the CBD.

Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk. You can choose to go to friends or relatives. Alternatively, evacuation centres will be established at Kempsey High School Cnr Broughton and Sea Street West Kempsey where you can obtain temporary accommodation and other help.

If you don’t have a car, buses may operate where possible on normal routes. Special transport can also be provided on request if necessary, telephone 132 500.

As you evacuate you should:

• Take your important documents, mementos and photos
• Take your spare clothing and medicines
• If possible, check to see if your neighbours need help
• Turn off the electricity and gas
• Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater
• Continue to listen to a local radio station for updates

Further information for residents:

• For emergency help in floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500.
• In a life-threatening emergency call 000 (triple zero)
• Rural Animal & Livestock Assistance call 1800 814 64
• Road information, Contact your Local Council or the RMS 132 701 and you can log onto http://midnorthcoast.myroadinfo.com.au/ for local road information and www.livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au for State Road
• You can find more information on the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au
• FloodSafe information www.floodsafe.com.au