The NSW SES is encouraging residents to take advantage of improved weather conditions to prepare for the possibility of more heavy rain and storms later this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Last week NSW SES volunteers responded to 371 requests for emergency storm and flood assistance across the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter and Central Coast areas as more rain fell on already wet catchments.
The rain resulted in several flood isolations across the Mid North Coast and was responsible for a landslip cutting off the Macleay community of Bellbrook, with NSW SES currently working with Kempsey Shire Council in the resupply of essential items to the town.
NSW SES Incident Controller Allan Budziarski acknowledged the contribution of NSW SES volunteers, North Coast residents and holidaymakers in dealing with the recent storms and flooding.
"Although we would prefer to see no flood rescues occur to have only six last week across the North Coast given the number road closures is a credit to affected communities who have assisted emergency services by not driving, riding or walking through flood water, " Superintendent Budziarski said.
Bureau of Meteorology data for the NSW North Coast shows that some locations have received over 600mm of rain during the last four weeks causing the saturation of coastal catchments resulting in these areas little capacity to deal with further rainfall with rivers being quick to rise and flash flooding occurring as a result of moderate rainfalls rather than experiencing these issues in major rainfall events as what would have normally been the situation or local experience.
Consequently, the Bureau and NSW SES are closely monitoring the possibility of a coastal trough developing later this week bringing with it the potential for further heavy rainfall, flash flooding and riverine flooding.
The NSW SES is recommending residents use the break in the weather to clean gutters, trim tree branches and secure down items around yards and balconies.
The SES also advises that now is a good time for residents that can be isolated by creek and river rises to stock up on essential supplies and for residents to be aware that tree root systems will be weakened and susceptible to strong winds because of saturated soils.
For emergency storm and flood assistance call NSW SES on 132 500.
For local road closure information visit www.myroadinfo.com.au