Susanna Freymark
With minor flood warnings issued for the Richmond River and Wilsons River, how much rain is still to come?
The Bureau of Meteorology said it is all to do with the interaction between different weather events occurring in different levels of the atmosphere at the same time.
At the surface level of the atmosphere, there’s a strong persistent wind coming from the east and it’s bringing in moisture from the ocean which is fuelling the rainfall. There is a coastal trough intensifying the rainfall.
Higher up in the atmosphere a low pressure area has been developing throughout today, Thursday, April 4, and this low pressure will become stronger in coming days.
All of these weather events are turning regular showers into widespread rain and large thunderstorms.
BOM advises minor flooding in and around Bungawalbin Creek with extensive rural inundation southwest of Coraki.
A minor flood includes water reaching the top of the riverbank near the Coraki Caravan Park.
It impacts low-lying minor roads and bridges and areas along the river.
As a result, low-lying areas near the river including roads and bridges may be impacted by flooding with extensive rural inundation south-west of Coraki possible.
BOM has issued this information for Richmond River:
CORAKI: The Richmond River at Coraki may reach the minor flood level of 3.4metres overnight Thursday into Friday.
BUNGAWALBIN: The Richmond River at Bungawalbyn may reach the minor flood level of 3metres overnight Thursday into Friday. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
Lismore and Byron Shire LGAs copped the most rain today with more than 300mm in the last 12 hours in areas around Bangalow and Lismore.
And there is more rain to come with up to 200mm predicted for the coast tomorrow, Friday, April 5 through until Saturday, April 6.
The Disaster Dashboard maps for Richmond Valley and Kyogle show where roads are closed and where caution is required with water on the road.
These roads were closed today and with more rain coming they are likely to remian closed. The roads are:
Cherry Tree Road and Bamboo Trail, Mallanganee
Old Dyraaba Road, Woodview
Short Street, Casino
View more warnings here.
Download the Hazards Near Me App and set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive warnings in real time.
For emergency help in floods, storms and tsunamis, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero immediately.
NSW SES has this advice:
● If you have a Home and/or Business Emergency Plan, review it now. Otherwise, have a conversation and plan for what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
● Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures and water over roads and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel.
● Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
● Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater – it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it’s flooded, forget it. Fines may apply.
● Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.
● People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise their assets, including waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights.
● Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare where possible.
● If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now.
● People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to relocate to higher ground.
● All campers and caravans relocate away from the sites next to water courses.
● Landowners and farmers adjacent to rivers and creeks should monitor river levels and the weather.
● Farmers should consider moving pumps and farm equipment to higher ground.
● Companion animals and livestock should be relocated to higher ground that will not become an island.
For more information:
ABC North Coast 94.5 FM
Follow @NSWSES on social media or visit our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at BOM.
Check road closures at livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local council.
For emergency help call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero immediately.
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