Susanna Freymark
Coraki SES has asked drivers to avoid Richmond Terrace in Coraki because water is over the road.
As the Richmond River rises, Coraki and Bungawalbin residents have a long night ahead.
Residents in Kyogle and Lismore have been given the all clear to return (with caution) to their homes.
In Coraki and further downstream at Woodburn and Broadwater, all eyes are on the height of Richmond River.
BOM has said inflows from the upper Richmond River combined with inflows from the Wilsons River have resulted in river level rises in the lower Richmond catchment.
This has caused major flooding at Coraki and at Bungawalbin.
The Richmond River at Coraki may peak near 6.3m late tonight, Sunday, March 9. The river level could remain above the major flood level of 5.7m until Monday morning.
The Richmond River at Bungawalbin is expected to peak near 5.7m overnight Sunday into Monday. The river level may remain above the major flood level of 5m until Monday morning.
The Richmond River at Woodburn is currently at 3.77m and rising, above the moderate flood level.
Down the road from Coraki, owners of the flower farm Field & Flower have spent the day watching the water from Richmond River creep across the road.
The owners posted this on social media.
“Locals! We are at 945 Woodburn-Coraki Rd and it’s time to stop trying to drive through.
“The water is now over the road and continues to rise. There is no roadside water-level gauge (it washed away in the last flood and has not been replaced) so you can not tell how deep it is.
“We do not have a boat in action and can not rescue you if you get into trouble. Our strong recommendation is do not attempt to drive the Woodburn-Coraki Rd.”
Stay home. Never drive through floodwaters. A man in his 80s had a lucky escape today at Rappville when he was rescued from his car trapped in floodwaters. Read about that here.
Heike’s Cafe in Coraki has said they will be open tomorrow (all going well with the river and power) and will have fresh cakes and coffee. It already sounds good.
Download the Hazards Near Me App and set up Watch Zones to receive warnings in real time.
For emergency assistance call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call triple zero.