ABOUT 1500 volunteers have been activated as the NSW SES responds to more than 1800 incidents across New South Wales since the onset of severe weather last week.
To late Sunday, volunteers responded to 18 flood rescues, with the majority for vehicles being driven into floodwaters.
Major flooding is occurring at Gunnedah as moderate flooding continues at Tamworth.
An evacuation centre is set up at Gunnedah PCYC.
NSW SES assistant commissioner Nicole Hogan said rivers can rise quickly, and urged residents to heed the warnings.
“We ask people in the areas expected to see major flooding should start enacting their emergency plans – that means getting your emergency kit together and knowing where you will go if you need to leave,” she said.
“Those in the area could become isolated without power, water and other essential services.”
At 2.30am Monday, The Namoi River at Gunnedah was 8.04m and rising, with major flooding occurring, and may reach around 8.30m Monday morning, with major flooding.
The Namoi River at Carroll Village was at 8.87m Sunday evening, with moderate flooding, and may reach around 9m early Monday morning, with moderate flooding.
At 2.30am Monday, the Namoi River at Boggabri was 6.77m and steady, and likely to exceed the minor flood level of 7m Monday morning.
The river may reach around 7.70m Monday afternoon, with minor flooding.
The Narrabri Creek at Narrabri is currently at 3.96m and steady, below the minor flood level, and may reach around the minor flood level of 4.9m from Tuesday morning.
The river will continue to rise as upstream flows arrive, and forecasts will be refined as upstream peaks are observed.
The Namoi River at Glencoe, Wee Waa is currently at 5.16m and rising, below the minor flood level, and may exceed the minor flood level of 5.3m early Monday morning.
The river may reach around 5.60m Monday morning, with minor flooding. Further river rises are possible as upstream flood water arrive.
NSW SES assistant commissioner Nicole Hogan said NSW SES has responded to 18 flood rescues, with the majority for vehicles being driven into floodwaters.
“We implore the community to never, under any circumstance, drive through floodwaters. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another way,” she said.
Meanwhile, minor flood levels at the Gwydir River at Gravesend are easing, with minor flood levels expected at Pallamallawa and Yarraman.
At 10.30pm Sunday, the Gwydir River at Pallamallawa was at 5.42 m and rising, and likely to exceed the minor flood level of 6m overnight Sunday into Monday.
The river may reach around 6.5m early Monday morning, with minor flooding.
At the same time, the Gwydir River at Yarraman Bridge was 3.6m and rising, and likely to exceed the minor flood level of 4m overnight Sunday into Monday.
The river may reach around 6m late Monday morning, with minor flooding.
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!
