BOM warns East Lismore could receive up to 130mm of rain

 

The Northern Rivers is bracing for up to 215mm of rain by Sunday as the Bureau of Meteorology warns of strong winds and hazardous coastal conditions.

A Strong Wind Warning is in place for the Byron Coast waters on Thursday and Friday, with hazardous marine conditions expected.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jonathan How said the heaviest falls were expected along the coastal fringe, particularly from Byron Bay to the Queensland border.

“We are seeing some very persistent onshore south-easterly winds pushing onto the coast,” How said.

“This is the wind direction that pushes the cloud and showers.”

Significant rainfall is forecast across the region, with Byron expected to receive between 10mm and 110mm on Thursday, followed by 10mm to 50mm on Friday, 8mm to 40mm on Saturday and 5mm to 15mm on Sunday.

If the upper end of the forecast is reached each day, Byron could receive up to 215mm between Thursday and Sunday.

Ballina could receive up to 185mm over the same period, while East Lismore could receive up to 130mm and Tweed Heads up to 125mm if the highest rainfall forecasts eventuate.

How said some areas could receive triple-digit rainfall totals over the next two days, but widespread flooding was not expected.

“We’re not expecting big rainfall totals leading to flooding, but certainly reminding people to keep an eye on the radar and keep your umbrella or jacket handy and take care on the road as well,” he said.

High tides are forecast on Thursday night, with the Tweed River expected to reach 1.91 metres at 10.06pm, Brunswick Heads 1.96 metres at 10.11pm and Ballina 1.91 metres at 10.06pm.

How said the combination of high tides, strong winds and waves could increase coastal impacts.

“With a sort of combination of high tides plus a lot of water being pushed onto the coast, it can mean that we do see those waves and tides become a bit more exacerbated,” he said.

“So it does mean that some of those low-lying areas on the beaches or on the coast could become inundated with water.”

How encouraged residents to monitor the latest forecasts and warnings, with anyone heading to the coast urged to take extra care due to strong winds, choppy conditions and the potential for beach erosion.