SNOWFALLS, heavy rain and major and minor flooding across the New England and north-west have NSW SES units active across the region.
People travelling, or planning to travel, are encouraged to go to www.livetraffic.com for all traffic information and road closures.
Major flood warnings have been issued for the Peel and Namoi Rivers, with moderate flooding currently occurring at Tamworth.
Minor flooding is possible along the Gwydir River at Gravesend, with moderate to heavy rainfall observed in the Gwydir catchment during Saturday.
Rainfall has eased since early Sunday morning.
BoM’s most recent update at 4.36am, Sunday, said river level rises are occurring along the Horton River and Gwydir River, with minor flooding possible at Gravesend Road Bridge Sunday morning.
The Gwydir River at Gravesend is currently at 5.11m and rising, below the minor flood level and may reach around the minor flood level – 6.10m – Sunday morning. Further rises are possible.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s updated report at 3.48am Sunday says major flooding may occur along the Peel River at Tamworth.
The river peaked at 5.85m at around 1am Sunday, slightly below the six-metre major flood level.
The river is currently at 5.83 m and rising, with moderate flooding.
The Peel River at Tamworth is likely to remain above the moderate flood level – 4.20m – for the remainder of Sunday.
Heavy snowfalls have been recorded at Armidale (Image: NSW SES).
Along the Namoi River, levels at Manilla are peaking slightly below the minor flood level.
Further downstream, flood waters from the Peel, Upper Namoi and Mooki Rivers and its tributaries may cause major flooding at Gunnedah overnight Sunday into Monday.
Minor flooding is likely at Boggabri early Monday morning.
The Namoi River at Manilla is currently at 5.95m and falling, below the minor flood level.
The Namoi River at Manilla is expected to remain below the minor flood level of 6.1m.
No observations are currently available for the Namoi River at Carroll Village.
The Namoi River at Carroll Village may reach around 8m Sunday evening, below the minor flood level of 8.2m.
The Namoi River at Gunnedah is currently at 6.67m and rising, below the minor flood level.
The Namoi River at Gunnedah is expected to exceed the minor flood level – 7.3m – Sunday morning. The river is likely to exceed the moderate flood level – 7.6m – Sunday afternoon.
The river may reach around the major flood level – 7.9m – overnight Sunday into Monday.
The Namoi River at Boggabri is currently at 5.88m and steady, below the minor flood level.
The Namoi River at Boggabri is likely to exceed the minor flood level – seven-metres – Monday morning.
The river may reach around 7.7m Monday afternoon, with minor flooding.
NSW SES assistant commissioner Nicole Hogan said heavy and persistent rainfall could see roads become flooded and impassable.
“We’ve had crews in Tamworth door-knocking low-lying areas to alert locals of potential localised flash-flooding and road closures overnight,” Ms Hogan said.
“We implore the community to never drive, walk or play in floodwater – if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.”
Assistant Commissioner Hogan said more than 1000 NSW SES volunteers have been activated to respond to the increase in calls this weekend.
NSW SES has responded to more than 1000 calls to the State Operations Centre since the onset of the severe weather.
Unusual snow levels have been reported at Armidale and Guyra.
Ms Hogan said black ice was a significant risk and was causing dangerous road conditions throughout the Northern Tablelands.
“We have road crash crews prepositioned and ready to respond to any rescues, but we ask the community to please avoid unnecessary travel,” she said.
“If you do need to be on the roads in areas with snow, drive with caution, always use your brakes gently and drive slowly.”
Flood Safety Advice:
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500;
Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place;
Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood;
Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains; or
Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northwest.shtml
Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW
IF IT’S FLOODED, FORGET IT!
