Floodwaters lap at pub steps, publican watches Game of Thrones all night to stay awake

ABOVE: The sheds at the Rappville Pub are underwater. Photos: Rappville Pub

Susanna Freymark

Publican Lisa Stewart stayed up all night watching Games of Thrones while she “babysat” the Rappville Pub.

Water lapped at the steps of the Commercial Hotel but she managed to stay awake and keep a watchful eye on the rising waters through the night.

“Fortunately, heavy rains held off, and waters have receded half a metre back from outside the front of the pub on Nandabah St,” Lisa said.

“There are still extreme floods out the back with the water tanks almost submerged.

“It’s quite deep and the garages are almost under”

The rising waters reached the eighth step out of 10 that lead onto the back deck.

“Fingers crossed the rains hold off a bit longer,” Lisa said.

The pub will close for the weekend and tonight’s event with the mechanical bull and line dancing is cancelled.

“This flood is already deeper than the March floods and now thigh high in areas outside the front of pub.

“The biggest flood in ‘76, had the water lapping at the front doors.”

A lot of damage has occurred there will be a massive clean up, Lisa said.

The rain continues today and tomorrow, Saturday, February 26, and throughout the week although with some sunny periods in between.

A minor flood warning is in place for the Clarence  River.

Minor flooding is predicted at Coraki and Bungawalbin overnight.

Woodburn is likely to have the worst of the flooding on Saturday morning.

It is the flood waters from the Wilsons River that contribute to the flooding expected at Coraki, Bungawalbin and Woodburn.

Richmond River at Coraki may peak near the moderate flood level of 5 metres overnight and into Saturday.

At Bungawalbin, Richmond River may reach 4 metres around 9pm tonight, Friday February 25.

The Richmond River at Woodburn may briefly reach the minor flood level of 3.2 metres around 7am on the Saturday high tide.

The Wilsons River at Lismore is expected to peak this morning with moderate flooding occurring. A separate warning has been issued for the Wilsons river.

Further rainfall is forecast Friday into Saturday which may result in renewed river level rises along the Wilsons and Richmond River catchments.