Heavy rain forecast for northeast NSW on Friday
18/02/2015
The Bureau of Meteorology warns that heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf conditions are likely for northeast New South Wales from Thursday night.
A tropical low pressure system currently over the Coral Sea is expected to move southwest towards the Queensland coast over the next 24 hours. The low may intensify into a tropical cyclone before crossing the Queensland coast on Friday.
Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Regional Director, Mr Barry Hanstrum, said the Bureau will continue to monitor the system, and issue further warnings as required.
“We are expecting heavy rainfall, as well as possible flash and riverine flooding in northeast New South Wales from Thursday night,” Mr Hanstrum said.
On Friday, widespread daily rainfall totals of 100–150mm are forecast for the Northern Rivers district with localised higher falls above 300mm possible. Totals of 50–100mm are forecast for the Mid North Coast with localised higher falls above 200mm possible. Eastern parts of the Northern Tablelands district may also be affected with heavy rain.
A Flood Watch has been issued for the New South Wales coast from the Queensland border to the Nambucca Valley for Friday and Saturday. This area includes the Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond, Wilsons, Clarence, Bellinger, and Nambucca river valleys.
“The community should be aware that king high tides may worsen the effects of flooding at lower tidal reaches,” Mr Hanstrum said.
NSW SES Commissioner Adam Dent said that people living in areas likely to be affected should act now.
"People living and working along rivers and streams should lift pumps and move livestock and equipment to higher ground and, if isolation is likely, stock up on food, fuel, medicine and other essentials."
"The community can help our volunteers by cleaning their gutters and downpipes, checking their roof is in good repair and securing or putting away loose items like trampolines and garden furniture.
“Most importantly, do not enter floodwater as deliberate entry to floodwater is the biggest killer during floods. If you need help, call the SES on 132500 or call 000 for life-threatening emergencies."
The public are urged to closely monitor the Bureau’s website and tune in media and local radio and listen to the advice of emergency services.
For further information www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings/
The Bureau is now also using Twitter to disseminate significant weather information to the New South Wales community. Follow @BOM_NSW. The Bureau's website remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive official source of information.
