News

What is happening:

Rain has ceased on the Mid-North Coast and in the Hunter. All rivers have now dropped below minor, although locally high river flows are persisting and causeways and low lying bridges may still be affected.

NSW SES volunteers, supported by the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and other agencies and local councils are continuing to support affected communities.

Rural isolation is occurring in some areas, but is improving as water drops and access is restored. 

What we are expecting:

No significant rain is expected in coming days. Water levels should continue to drop. This may be slow in some locations. Water may remain at hazardous levels in some areas over low-lying bridges and causeways

Current Warnings:

 There are no current warnings.

Current Flood Warnings for NSW can be viewed in detail here: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

What the NSW SES is doing:

• The NSW SES has received over 3,074 calls in the State Operations Centre resulting in 1,101 emergency responses. There are a small number of requests for emergency help to be attended, and crews are working to clear these today.
• Calls for help received were mostly leaking roofs and minor damage, with the worst affected areas around Newcastle, Maitland and the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie areas.

• NSW SES has been activated to 11 flood rescues. All persons are safe and well. Two of these rescues were of animals (horses and cows), the others, persons who had driven into floodwater. There were rescues of two persons by helicopter today, with one of a female farmer stranded on a flood island, and the other a 66yo male kayaker who was swept downstream. Both rescues were near Wingham with both persons safe and well. There was a medical transport of a person requiring insulin this morning.
• The NSW SES has two helicopters on standby.
• The NSW SES is monitoring isolated rural areas that might require resupply, and stands ready to assist if required.

What you can do:

• Stay out of floodwater. Bridges and causeways might have been damaged or washed out, so do not use until floodwater has receded and checks have been made.
• Check your property for damage, if it is an emergency call 132 500, otherwise call a contractor.

How to help:

• You can help your community in future events as a spontaneous or full SES volunteer. It’s easy to register on the NSW SES website (Click the volunteer tab in the top right) and if we require your help you will be contacted.
• You can also help by being prepared and helping friends and neighbours who might need assistance, especially the elderly or those with a disability.

Who to call:

• If you require emergency help due to flooding call the NSW SES on 132 500.
• Call 000 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
• Listen to your local radio station for updates and advice.
• For road closures go to https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html or call 131 701 or check your local Council’s website.