Major flooding is still occurring in several catchments across the Mid North Coast, as intense rainfall continues and the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) urges people to follow evacuation advice.
The NSW SES has 149 active warnings, 37 of those are at Emergency Warning and 86 are at Watch and Act. More than 48,000 people are currently isolated due to floodwaters.
Almost 600 flood rescues have been responded to, and more than 4,600 calls for assistance have been recorded. NSW SES is continuing to assist people trapped by floodwaters in Glenthorne, with helicopters, boats, and ground crews deployed to support operations.
Essential services such as telecommunications are being impacted, but the NSW SES is actively door knocking residents within impacted areas and encouraging people to listen to their emergency broadcaster for the latest information and updates.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said flood rescues teams, including 500 rescue boats and nine helicopters were active between the Hunter and Coffs Harbour, with more assistance on the way.
Major flooding is occurring on the Manning, Paterson, Hastings, Williams, Nambucca and Macleay Rivers. Renewed river rises were likely into the weekend as forecast rainfall totals exceed 150 to 200mm in a 24-hour period.
“Although rainfall may be reprieving in some areas, we haven’t seen the end of renewed river rises in Northern NSW and people should not become complacent,” Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
“More Emergency Warnings will likely be issued, and if you are asked to leave, please do so. Our volunteers and partner agencies are working around the clock, prioritising rescues and getting help to those who need it most, but we want people to leave if they’re asked to do so.
“We are likely to see major riverine flooding continue on several catchments into the weekend, and flash flooding remains a significant risk.”
As the intense rainfall moves south to the Sydney region, minor to moderate flooding is expected in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley from Friday and people should stay alert and across warnings issued by the NSW SES.
NSW SES crews have been doorknocking in high-risk areas and 15 Evacuation Centres are open at the following locations:
· Dungog RSL Club
· Club Gloucester
· Club Taree
· Manning Point Bowling Club
· Wingham RSL
· Bulahdelah Golf Club
· Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club
· Kempsey Showground
· Panthers Port Macquarie
· Coffs Harbour Club
· Sawtell RSL Club
· Nambucca RSL Club
· Old Bar Bowling Club
· Wauchope Showground
· Coopernook Hall
To stay up to date with the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app. For evacuation centre locations and more information, visit the NSW SES website.
Visit the Live Traffic NSW website for the latest road closures and traffic conditions.
If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).
Operational statistics:
Total incidents during this event: 4,638
Total flood rescues during this event: 591
Media enquiries:
NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234