Heavy rain is expected to continue over the rest of Friday over the Mid North Coast with pockets of intense rainfall from thunderstorms.
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A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea is directing southeasterly winds into a trough along the northern NSW coast, generating rain and some isolated thunderstorms.
Major flooding is occurring along the Hastings River at Kindee Bridge and moderate flooding is expected at Wauchope Friday afternoon (March 23).
An average of 260 millimetres of rain has been recorded during the past 48 hours to 8:00 am Friday over the Hastings River catchment.
Further heavy rain is forecast for the next 12 to 24 hours. Major flooding is occurring along the Hastings River at Kindee Bridge where river is expected to peak around 7.8 metres with major flooding.
The Hastings River at Wauchope is likely to reach the moderate flood level of 4.3m Friday afternoon.
The Oxley Highway at Long Flat is closed due to floodwaters.
The Hastings River at Settlement Point is likely to reach the minor flood level 1.2m by Friday afternoon.
What we are expecting:
Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology it is expected the following areas will be impacted by floodwaters:
- Wauchope
- Bains Bridge
- Cameron Street
- King Street
- Kings Creek & Wrights Creek
- Blackbutt Park
- Narrow Gut Road
- Freeman’s Road
- Rawdon Island
- Oxley Highway at Long Flat
At these predicted river height approaches to the Rawdon Island Bridge are likely to be inundated, isolating the Rawdon Island community.
Port Macquarie
Areas affected include Settlement Point, Hibbard, Fernbank Creek, Oaks Crescent and communities on the North Shore of Port Macquarie.
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.
Camden Haven
Minor flooding is possible along the Camden Haven River at Logans Crossing late Friday afternoon.
An average of 163 millimetres of rain has been recorded during the past 48 hours to 9am Friday over the Camden Haven River catchment.
Further rain is forecast for the next 12 hours. At this stage it is not possible to predict flood peaks because of the uncertainty over how much more rain will fall.
The Camden Haven River at Logans Crossing is likely to reach the minor flood level 7 metres late Friday afternoon.
The Camden Haven River at Laurieton is likely to remain below the minor flood level.
What you need to do:
People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding need to consider the following:
- Farmers should take steps to remove pumps and move livestock to higher ground.
- Lower catchment residents down stream of Wauchope need to consider the impacts of further river rises
- Refraining from driving or walking through flood water
- The impact of possible road closures and flood isolation on work, family and educational commitments Monitoring river heights, severe weather warnings, local ABC radio, Fairfax Media 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 medicines and clothes with you
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.
