The State Emergency Service has issued a major flood warning along the Hastings River at Kindee Bridge.
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The river is expected to peak on Friday, March 23.
There is also a moderate flood warning for Wauchope for Friday afternoon.
An average of 230 millimetres of rain has been recorded during the past 48 hours to 5am Friday over the Hastings River catchment.
Further heavy rain is forecast for the next 12 to 24 hours, and at this stage it is not possible to predict flood peaks because of uncertainty over how much more rain will fall, the Mid North Coast SES said.
Moderate flooding is now occurring along the Hastings River at Kindee Bridge, with major flooding expected Friday morning.
The Hastings River at Kindee Bridge is likely to reach the major flood level of 7.6m around 9am.
The Hastings River at Wauchope is likely to reach the moderate flood level of 4.3m on Friday afternoon.
Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology it is expected the following areas will be impacted by floodwaters:
- Bains Bridge
- Cameron Street
- King Street
- Kings Creek & Wrights Creek
- Blackbutt Park
- Narrow Gut Road
- Freeman’s Road
- Rawdon Island
At these predicted river height approaches to the Rawdon Island Bridge are likely to be inundated, isolating the Rawdon Island community.
Minor flooding is possible at Settlement Point Friday afternoon.
The Hastings River at Settlement Point is likely to reach the minor flood level 1.2m Friday afternoon.
It is expected Settlement Point, Hibbard, Fernbank Creek, Oaks Crescent and communities on the North Shore of Port Macquarie may be impacted by floodwaters.
Flood water may start to come across low lying sections of the following roads and enter low lying properties in:
- Hastings River Drive and Settlement Point Road
- North Shore - Shoreline Drive, Wombat Close, Dolphin Court & Marlin Place
- Maria River Road
- The Aquatic and Marina Caravan Parks
In addition possible rises in the Maria and Wilsons Rivers may exacerbate and hasten the onset of flooding within the area.
Consequently there is a possibility that residents in these areas may become isolated due to the Settlement Point and Hibbard ferries ceasing operations and the inundation and subsequent closure of low lying roads and bridges.
Vulnerable people in this area should consider early relocation due to possible isolation and interruptions to supply of essential utilities and services - people at risk include (but are not limited to):
- People with a chronic illness eg. oxygen dependent or require dialysis
- People with young babies/infants
- People with sick young children
- Elderly frail people
- People with a disability who require specialised care
An initial minor flood warning has also bee issued for the Camden Haven River.
The warning was issued at 6.43am on March 23 for Logans Crossing.
An average of 82 millimetre of rain has been recorded during the past 24 hours to 6am Friday over the Camden Haven River catchment.
The Camden Haven River at Logans Crossing is likely to reach the minor flood level of 7 metres on Friday morning.
The Camden Haven River at Laurieton is likely to remain below the minor flood level.
Historical flood heights for Kindee gauge
- 10.99 metres – peak height February 2013
- 12.57 metres – peak height January 1968
What we are expecting:
Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology it is expected the following areas may be impacted by fast flowing and dangerous floodwaters:
Residents down river of Kindee, in Long Flat, Beechwood and Wauchope are asked to closely monitor the situation in relation to further river rises in the upper part of the Hastings catchment.
At this predicted height there is a high probability that flooding will affect low-lying farmland and local roads located next to the Hastings River and its tributaries.
What you need to do:
- People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding need to consider the following:
- As river levels continue to rise residents in low lying areas are likely to become isolated or inundated and evacuations may become necessary Hastings River at Kindee Bridge
- Flood waters and storm damage may place pressure on the supply of power, water and sewerage services.
- Refraining from driving or walking through flood water
- Monitoring river heights, severe weather warnings, local ABC radio, Fairfax websites and NSW SES Mid North Coast Facebook Page
- If your property is at risk of inundation, 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
- Consider staying with family and friends out outside of the flood affected area
- Securing outside belongings and before leaving; turn off the power, water and take essential.
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.
