As severe weather continues to impact the NSW North Coast, emergency services are urging residents to delay all non-essential travel at this time.
In the Kempsey area;
- A severe weather warning remains in force with heavy rainfall and strong winds expected for the next 6-12 hours. These conditions are a serious risk and likely to lead to flash flooding, which may be life-threatening.
- Most flood measuring markers are showing that flood levels are currently steady or slowly decreasing. The expected rain levels over the next 24-48 hours, and inland rain falls, may further impact the main river systems.
- Evacuation orders remain in effect for the Kempsey CBD and an Evacuation Centre has been established at the Kempsey Showground.
- Isolated (cut off) communities include Crescent Head. Rising waters are impacting Jerseyville, Kinchela and Gladstone. Rising waters may cut off Hat Head and this situation is being monitored. The communities of South West Rocks and Smithtown remain open, but the situation is being monitored.
- Kempsey Council advise that there are reports of damage to road infrastructure and some water levels subside, and it is reinforced that you should not drive through flood waters.
- All NSW Health services remain operational. Mid North Coast Local Health District is supporting the local Emergency Operation Centre in its response.
- Hazardous surf and strong wind warnings remain in force and NSW Maritime strongly recommends reconsidering your need to be out on the water in flood affected areas over the coming days.
- Local Lands Service have the capability to assist stranded or escaped stock, including animals that are evacuated to EVAC centres. Assistance can be sought by contacting: 1300 795 299. Property and landowner with damage are requested to complete the Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Survey to assist in recovery. This can be found at: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/emergency/community/primary-industries-natural-disaster-damage-survey
Several towns on the Mid North Coast have been isolated due to floodwaters across the roads. A number of localised road closures are in place, for the latest traffic information please visit www.livetraffic.com or www.myroadinfo.com.au.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), has been activated to support the severe weather operation.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.
Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating the severe weather and flooding. It will operate on a 24 hours basis until at least 5pm on Monday (22 March 2021).
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
It should be noted this inquiry hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
In life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).
