HEAVY rainfall has been recorded across the Bellinger and Kalang rivers. River levels at Thora have risen rapidly this morning, peaking at around 5.90 metres at 11.30am.
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River levels have now fallen below the major flood level. This floodwater is expected to cause a moderate flood peak at Bellingen this afternoon.
Minor flooding is expected along the Bellinger River at Repton, and along the Kalang River at Urunga.
Rain has increased and further rain is forecast. Further rises are expected.
A Severe Weather Warning is current for the Mid North Coast.
Bellinger River:
Minor to Moderate flooding is occurring along the Bellinger River. Moderate flooding is expected along the Bellinger River at Bellingen.
The Bellinger River at Thora peaked at 5.90 metres at around 11.30am, with major flooding.
The Bellinger River at Bellingen was expected to reach around 8 metres at 2.30pm, with major flooding. Further rises possible.
The Bellinger River at Repton is expected to reach the minor flood level (2.5m) at around 7pm on the high tide. The river level may reach around 1.7 metres at midnight. Further rises possible.
Kalang River:
Below Minor flooding is occurring along the Kalang River.
The Kalang River at Urunga (AHD) may peak near 1.5 metres around 9pm with minor flooding on the high tide. Further rises possible.
Waterfall Way shut in both directions:
Waterfall Way is now closed in both directions between Short Cut Rd at Raleigh, and Maynards Plains Rd at Dorrigo Mountain, due to flooding.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
There is no access to Bellingen from Waterfall Way.
Motorists who need to travel between Raleigh and Armidale can consider using the Gwydir Highway or the Oxley Highway instead, but should take extra care and allow plenty of extra travel time.
Other roads remain closed due to flooding in the State's north including:
- Summerland Way is closed in both directions between Ellangowan Rd at Casino, and Clarence Way at Mountain View, north of Grafton.
- Tweed Valley Way is closed in both directions between Cudgen Rd at Stotts Creek and Riverside Dr at Tumbulgum.
Motorists are advised to take extreme care, drive to the conditions, and follow directions of emergency services and traffic crews.
Bellingen council advises:
Lavenders Bridge remains closed.
Waterfall Way is closed between Little North Arm Road and Maynards Plains Road due to the waterfalls breaching the roadway. Please delay and reorganise any planned travel accordingly.
Waterfall Way at Camerons Corner, between Bellingen and the Pacific Highway, is currently closed to vehicular traffic and council continues to monitor and advise regarding a change in conditions.
Wild Cattle Creek at Megan has closed the route to Coffs Harbour via Coramba Rd
The Gordonville cutting (4km west of Bellingen) will remain closed to general traffic until it is assessed by geotechnical engineers.
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.
- Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
