Continued rainfall over the past week and forecast for the week ahead means that a flood watch has been issued for large parts of the state.
The Macleay River is not listed as one of the catchments subject to a flood watch, however property owners should remain alert and monitor further advice from the Bureau of Meteorology and SES given weather forecasts.
There is a minor rise already in the upriver area of the catchment.
All flood structures throughout the Kempsey Shire were closed on Saturday as a precaution.
Landholders are encouraged to monitor the situation and act accordingly.
FLOOD WATCH
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers at 11:45 am EDT on Sunday 27 March 2022
Rainfall is forecast on Sunday with an increasing trend during the first half of this week for parts of the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast. Catchments in this region remain saturated following significant flooding in recent weeks and this rainfall has the potential to result in further flooding. Minor to moderate flood levels are a risk depending on how the weather system develops.
For up-to-date warnings head to Flood Warning - Macleay River (bom.gov.au)
FORECAST
A Severe Weather Warning is current for the Northern Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands.
DRIVING CONDITIONS
Please do not take unnecessary risks and do not drive through flood waters.
If you are in a known flood-prone area, we encourage you to take note of the current conditions and assess if you should implement your flood plan.
Flood damage to road, bridge and drainage infrastructure could be present in several locations, if you are travelling exercise great caution.
Check with RMS www.livetraffic.com or 132 701 for more road status information.
RIVER CROSSINGS
All bridges that cross the Macleay River upstream of the Kempsey Traffic Bridge are now closed.
- Bellbrook Bridge is CLOSED
- Temagog Bridge is CLOSED
- Toorooka Bridge is OPEN
- Turners Flat Bridge is OPEN
- Sherwood Bridge is OPEN
- Dungay Creek and Dowlings Falls causeways are OPEN
FLOODGATES
Council closed the flood infrastructure during the day on Thursday 24 February 2022.
- The floodgates on Kinchela Creek, Belmore River, Christmas Creek and Euroka Creek are CLOSED
- Flood relief gates at Kinchela Creek and Belmore River are CLOSED.
- Ryan's Cut Outlet has been successfully opened to the ocean.
SEWER
- During heavy or sustained rain events it is not uncommon to experience sewer overflows in our sewer catchment areas, nor are they preventable, as sewerage systems are not designed to transport storm water in these events.
- Our teams are continuing to monitor the situation and conducting the required sampling, reporting and clean up in these areas.
FLOOD CAMERAS
The most recent images from flood cameras on the Macleay River are available at ksc.pub/flood
The flood monitoring camera at Sherwood Bridge, west of Kempsey, is focused on the bridge deck so residents can see if the bridge is being affected by flooding.
Images are updated every 30 minutes. Please note the time stamp is set to Australian Eastern Standard Time NOT to Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Council urges people to:
- Remain cautious on the roads for localised impacts, DO NOT attempt to drive through flood waters or cross flooded bridges.
- Consider the impact of possible road closures and flood isolation on work, family and educational commitments
- Monitor emergency warnings and severe weather updates
- If your property is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or tables, placing electrical items on top
- If you live in a low-lying area and are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so
- Secure outside belongings and before leaving, turn off the power and water and take pets, essential medicines and clothes with you
COUNCIL CREWS MONITORING THE REGION
Council's work teams are inspecting roads and areas of concern and we will advise of developments in future updates.
Council welcomes advice from residents in outlying areas regarding any concerns which may be reported to Council on 6566 3200 however our Customer Service Centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls so please check that your concerns have not already been addressed online.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life-threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
