Heavy falls are expected over the North Coast today and tomorrow - including the Nambucca Valley - as an East Coast Low is expected to move south to be near the Northern Rivers district by early Saturday morning. Heavy rain and thunderstorms, which may lead to flash flooding, are forecast to intensify overnight.
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At this stage there is a greater than 70 per cent chance of moderate flooding between the Qld border and the Nambucca Valley including the following river valleys developing during Friday, Saturday and early Sunday.
Clarence Valley including the Orara River – minor to moderate
Bellinger and Kalang River valleys – moderate to major
Nambucca River Valley – moderate to major
A Severe Weather Warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology at 12.20pm today.
SES is urging people to be prepared for the weather as the East Coast Low deepens and rainfall increases by:
* Stocking up on enough food, medications and supplies for babies to last 48 hours now as tomorrow could be too late
* Avoid travelling when the rain is heaviest overnight and into tomorrow
* Get your Floodsafe plan updated, check your roof, gutters and trees around your home.
* Never enter Floodwater.
* Do not go sightseeing as this can seriously hinder the SES and other emergency services getting to people who need help.
Stay informed of weather updates by listening to your local ABC radio and checking for further warnings and weather updates on www.bom.gov.au/warnings.
Local areas which experience isolations can expect to be affected by this event and should start preparing now. If you live in an area that can become isolated by floodwaters preparation includes stocking up on food, medications and other necessary items for people in your care such as babies and infants, people with a disability and the frail aged. Check on your neighbours and make sure they are aware of weather conditions.
The Bureau of Meteorology may issue flood warnings overnight and the coming days. If you live in a flood affected area you should maintain an awareness of your situation. Updates on flood situation will be broadcast on local radio stations or can be accessed on www.bom.nsw.gov.au
All SES Units across the Clarence Nambucca Region SES have been preparing equipment and have volunteers on standby ready for duty as the weather unfolds.
"We are well prepared for the weather with our SES members from Clarence Nambucca as well as teams arriving from across the State," said the Clarence Nambucca Region Controller. In addition we have support from Police Flood Rescue, Emergency Management Victoria and the Rural Fire Service.
Road closure information can be found on www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701, and for council roads visit www.myroadinfo.com.au
