It's been a weekend of heavy rainfall across the Hastings, and minor flooding is current at Kindee Bridge today (Monday February 10) and may occur along the Hastings River at Settlement Point in Port Macquarie.
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The Hastings River at Kindee Bridge was expected to peak near 5.40 metres around 04:00 am Monday.
The Hastings River at Settlement Point was expected to peak near the minor flood level (1.20 metres) around 10:00 am on Monday with the high tide.
The latest river heights are:
Hastings River at Mt Seaview 2.30, falling at 1am on Monday
Hastings River at Kindee Bridge 5.06, rising at 1am on Monday
Hastings River at Wauchope 2.08, steady at 1.30am on Monday
Wilson River at Telegraph Point 1.16, steady at 1.30am on Monday
Hastings River at Settlement Point, 0.45, falling at 1am on Monday.
The forecast for Wauchope today is 32 degrees with a 70 per cent chance of showers this afternoon and early evening and the chance of a thunderstorm.
Large and powerful surf conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
The forecast for Tuesday is similar and on Wednesday there's a 90 per cent chance of rain in Wauchope with 8 to 20 mm of rainfall possible. Showers are forecast right through until Sunday.
The long term average rainfall for Port Macquarie in February is 188mm.
We've already exceeded that with 258mm of rainfall recorded over the first 10 days of 2020.
But that falls short of the 1929 record of 844.5mm.
Meteorologist with weatherzone, Hannah Wilson, says rain has fallen on seven of those days.
"Since 9am on Saturday to 9am on Monday, Port Macquarie has received 172mm of rain," she said.
"The forecast there will be clearer conditions through the day over this week but with the chance of thunderstorms each evening.
"This could realise 10 to 20mm on Monday - along with strong winds - and up to 30mm from Tuesday to Thursday.
"By Friday there are forecasts of a quite intense low pressure system impacting the east coast.
"This could see heavier rain on Friday and Saturday."
The temperature range for the remainder of the week will be 21 degrees to 28 or 30 degrees.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds, heavy rain, abnormally high tides and damaging surf for the Macquarie Coast and the remainder of the coast for Monday, February 10.
Out to sea, boaties can expect 1.5 to 2.5m seas decreasing to 2m on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ms Wilson says she expects to see seas rising again once the low pressure system arrives by the end of the week.
NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings reminded boat owners to ensure moored craft are safe and secure.
He said people who own boats on moorings need to take extra care to ensure their vessels are secured safely as they will be responsible for any damage from loose moorings caused to other vessels or property.
"Strong and damaging winds have caused power outages around the state and are a threat to moored craft," Mr Hutchings said.
"Winds can cause vessels to break free of their mooring tackle, the rain can fill bilges and debris can entangle mooring lines, cause damage and become hazards to safe navigation.
"Owners of moorings are required to keep their vessel and the mooring gear in good condition at all times to ensure they can handle these sorts of challenging conditions.
"Of course, boat owners should only go out to their moored craft when it is safe to do so."
Boaters are urged to avoid non-essential boating on flood-affected waterways until the clean up from the wild weather has been carried out.
SES Port Macquarie unit controller Michael Ward said home owners should take necessary steps now to avoid potential damage to their homes.
"The SES is actively getting out to assist people where possible," he said.
He advised that:
- Farmers on low lying land close to rivers and creeks are urged to monitor livestock, pumps and other equipment. Waste and chemical containers should be located well above predicted flood levels.
- Motorists should obey road closed signage.
- Do not drive, walk or ride through flood water
- The impact of possible road closures and flood isolation on work, family and educational commitments
- Monitoring emergency warnings and severe weather updates on local ABC radio, NSW SES Mid North Coast Facebook Page and Bureau of Meteorology website
- 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
- 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-0 immediately.
For more information:
- Road information, for local roads contact Council or log onto the website.
- Road information on State Government managed roads go to the Live Traffic NSW website.
- Rural animal and livestock assistance contact your Local Land Services Office.
- For NSW Maritime information visit their website.
- You can find more information on the weather in the catchments of the Hastings River from the Bureau of Meteorology website.