Flood Warnings Issued for Bellinger and Orara Rivers

A Flood Warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Bellinger and Orara Rivers.

Bellinger River: A Minor Flood Warning for the Bellinger River was issued at 9:40am this morning. The Bellinger River is expected to reach 3.2 metres at Thora around noon with minor flooding. The Bellinger River is expected to reach the minor flood level of 3.7 metres in Bellingen around 1pm this afternoon. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) advised that the Waterfall Way from Bellingen to Dorrigo is closed. Motorists intending to use this road should contact the RTA on 131 700. Access to Darkwood and the upper Bellinger Valley is open, but may be lost should Hobarts Bridge be covered by floodwater. Local bus services to the Thora area have been cancelled for the day.

Orara River: A Minor Flood Warning for the Orara River was issued at 10:15am this morning. The Orara River is expected to exceed the minor flood level at Glenreagh at around 3pm this afternoon and reach 5 metres tonight with further rain.

A Severe Weather Warning has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for flash flooding and damaging winds on the Mid-North Coast. A low forming off the far north coast of NSW this morning should move southwards to be located east of Port Macquarie by evening. This is expected to cause rainfall to increase today in the Mid North Coast district with some locally very heavy rain is still possible leading to flash flooding. The rain should contract south during the day.

Strong to gale force winds are expected with mean speeds of 65 km/h at times and gusts in excess of 90 km/h along the coastal fringe of the Mid North Coast today.

How to prepare yourself and your household

The SES recommends that people living and working along rivers and areas affected by flash flooding covered by the Flood Watch and Severe Weather Warning begin preparations now for possible flooding.

Rural property owners should move equipment, stock and pumps to higher ground. If isolation is likely, property owners should ensure that they have sufficient stocks of essential items including food, fuel and medicine.

People should not camp close to rivers and streams, and should consider whether in an emergency they may be cut off.

Strong winds and heavy rain may cause damage to homes from falling trees and branches or leaking roofs and overflowing gutters. Where safe to do and permitted by Council, it is recommended that overhanging trees and branches are removed, that roofing is in good repair, gutters and drains are clear of debris, and loose items in yards and on balconeys put away.

The SES urges people to never drive, ride or walk through floodwaters as water may be deeper or faster flowing than it looks and contain hidden snags and debris.

Further information on preparing your household or business for flooding can be found here.

In a life threatening emergency, call 000. For general assistance due to flooding or storm damage, call the SES on 132 500. For road closures, call your local council.