News

Tropical Cyclone Oma is continuing to deliver abnormally high tides, damaging and hazardous surf, and damaging winds to the North Coast with a Severe Weather Warning still in place for an area from Tweed Heads now extending south to Coffs Harbour. 

Strong winds and large waves will be whipped up along northern parts of the coast today and Saturday, coinciding with king tides. These conditions are forecast to deliver water levels on the high tide which exceed the highest tide of the year by around one metre, resulting in sea water flooding in low lying coastal areas.

NSW SES Operations Commander, Mark Somers said current tracking suggests TC Oma could again be upgraded to a Category 2 Cyclone later this afternoon.

“Gale force winds are currently being experienced along the New South Wales north coast and are expected to remain well into the weekend. The NSW SES remains concerned about the level of beach erosion which will result from these hazardous coastal conditions.

I emphasise the need for residents in the coastal fringe areas of Byron and Tweed Shires to be prepared for potential sea flooding, with sandbags available for residents at the Mullumbimby and Tweed Heads NSW SES Units,” Mr Somers said. 

NSW SES Community Capability Officer, Janet Pettit said community members along the North Coast are urged to provide photos of the tide and beach conditions. 

“Due to the exceptional nature of today’s tides the NSW SES has contacted various community organisations including NSW Marine Rescue to help us document the impacts of this weather event. 

I would also encourage members of the public to get involved by emailing any photos to the NSW SES at NHZ4PublicInformation@ses.nsw.gov.au and in the email include the time, location and name of the photographer,” Ms Pettit said. 

For further information related to Bureau of Meteorology Warnings, please go to www.bom.gov.au. 

For more FloodSafe and StormSafe information and a copy of a Home or Business Emergency Plan go to www.sesemergencyplan.com.au