Correction: Initially, when we first published this story, we said pets were allowed at the Evans Head RSL evac centre and we have been informed they are not. IndyNR.com will get this confirmed. The concern about not allowing pets is where do people go? They’re not going to leave their pets at home if they evacuate. We’ll try and get some answers on this.
SES is directing people in Woodburn and surrounds to evacuate before noon today, Saturday, March 8.
This includes all properties between River Street, Uralba Street, Langs Way and the Pacific Motorway.
SES advised staying with family or friends in an area unaffected by flooding. If that’s not possible, head to the evac centre at Evans Head RSL at 11-13 McDonald Place, Evans Head. No household pets are allowed at the evac centre.
The Richmond River is expected to rise rapidly.
The river peaked at Wiangaree at 12.82m at 9am today.
In Kyogle, the Richmond River peaked at 15.56m at 5am today and it is falling. Moderate flooding is expected.
The Richmond River at Casino Road Bridge is sitting at 9.62m and rising.
In Coraki, the river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level of 5m at about 11am today. The river may reach major flood level overnight tonight and in to Sunday.
In Woodburn, Richmond River is at 3m and rising. The river is likely to exceed moderate flood levels overnight. This is why Woodburn and surrounds have been told to evacuate.
Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded to a low but there is still more rain to come. And the rivers are still rising.
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.
