Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is continuing over the Northern Rivers district and northern parts of the Mid North Coast.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely, possibly reaching in excess of 150 mm.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to dangerous and LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms with six-hourly rainfall totals in excess of 250 mm possible, becoming less likely over the Northern Rivers later this afternoon.
Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible over coastal areas and peaks, mainly north of Coffs Harbour, locally DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS in excess of 125km/h are possible along the coastal fringes during this morning and afternoon.
Locations which may be affected include Murwillumbah, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, and Dorrigo.
Rainfall from 9am Sunday to 9am Monday:
775mm Dunoon
706mm Goonengerry
698mm Doon Doon
662mm Huonbrook
592mm Repentance
575mm Uki
537mm Nimbin
520mm Mullumbimby
467mm Lismore
Lismore is expecting a record flood peak of 13.5 metres. The Bureau of Meteorology has increased the potential height of the peak, due to sharp observed river rises in Lismore.
12 evacuation orders are currently in place, affecting more than 15,000 people:
1. Rocky Creek Dam
2. Brunswick River at Mullumbimby
3. Low lying areas of Coraki
4. Marshalls Creek at Billinudgel
5. Ocean Shore, New Brighton, Sth Golden Beach
6. Lismore CBD
7. North Lismore
8. South Lismore
9. Tweed River Condong, Sth Murwillumbah, surrounds
10. Kyogle Lower CBD
11. Low lying areas of Coraki
12. Tumbulgum and Surrounding Areas
5 evacuation warnings are current in place, affecting more than 13,000 people:
• Woodburn, Swan Bay and surrounding areas
• Uki and surrounding areas
• Chinderah and Fingal Head
• Clarence River near Maclean
• Casino
There are 7 evacuation centres now set up at:
• The Presbyterian Church, Coraki
• Southern Cross University P Block, Lismore
• RSL Club, Mullumbimby
• Ocean Shores Country Club
• Murwillumbah TAFE
• Kyogle Memorial Hall
* Salvation Army Tweed Centre, Banora Point
Flooding is impacting the M1 Pacific Motorway between Minjungbal Driver, West Tweed Heads, and Cudgera Creek Road, Cudgerra Creek. The highway closed in both directions. LiveTraffic advice is to avoid the area and delay non-essential travel.
The SES has received 4,317 calls for help since the start of the flood event. 400 calls were received in the 30 minutes to 9am today.
Important Messages from the SES:
– Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
– Stack possessions, records, stock or equipment on benches and tables, placing electrical items on top.
– Secure objects that are likely to float and cause damage.
– Relocate waste containers, chemicals and poisons well above floor level.
– Activate your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan.
– Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice.
– Keep in contact with your neighbours.
– Be prepared to evacuate if advised by emergency services.
– Act early as roads may become congested or close.
If you require emergency help, call NSW SES on 132 500 and if life-threatening, call 000.
For current NSW SES Community advice go to: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For the latest weather warnings go to: bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings
