SES carries out rescues as flash flooding batters Northern Rivers, with warnings still in place

Heavy rain, flash flooding and high tides caused chaos across the Northern Rivers on Monday night, with NSW SES still in place on Tuesday morning.

NSW SES volunteers and emergency service partners responded to 197 incidents and carried out three rescues, assisting people and vehicles trapped in floodwaters at Numinbah, Brewongle and Goongerry.

Uki, Chinderah, Fingal Head, Fingal Head South, Crabbes Creek, Burringbar, West Burringbar, Tumbulgum, Wollumbin (Mount Warning), Banora, Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Bilambil were among the areas hardest hit, as heavy rain from Sunday night caused waterways including the Wilsons River, Rous River and Tweed River to rise rapidly.

 

In the 24 hours to 9am Tuesday, rainfall totals of 50 to 150mm were observed across north-east NSW, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. 

Couchy Creek in the Tweed Hinterland recorded 150mm, Upper Rous River 149 mm and Chillingham 137mm.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said flooded roads and isolation remained the biggest risks on Tuesday.

On Tuesday morning, warnings were still in place for areas including Lismore, Bangalow, Clunes, Nimbin, The Channon and Coraki.

The SES warned the Wilsons River could exceed the minor flood level of 4.2 metres on Tuesday morning and may reach around 5 metres by Tuesday evening, leading to minor flooding.

Lismore City Council closed the Lower Hensley Carpark and Rowing Club Carpark in the CBD, while council crews activated the Levee Activation Plan, closing floodgates and preparing flood pump stations in response to rising river levels.

Volunteers from SES Mullumbimby responded to several requests for assistance on Monday night, including a flood rescue at Goonengerry at about 7.15pm.

Two in-water operators entered a flooded causeway after reports a vehicle had become trapped with a person inside.

No vehicle was found and, fortunately, the driver and car were later located safe and well in Mullumbimby after the person had turned around before becoming stranded.

Ross Lane in Lennox Head was also closed, with Ballina Shire Council urging motorists to seek alternative routes.

Council urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel and stay up to date with current road closures and cautions through Live Traffic.

Once floodwaters on Ross Lane recede, council crews will inspect the road to ensure it is safe before reopening it to traffic.

With rain continuing across many parts of the region on Tuesday morning, the SES warned residents to consider the consequences of road and bridge closures, noting that damage caused by flooding and landslips may still be present.

The SES advised people to remain alert to hazards including mud and debris, obey all road closure signs and follow instructions from emergency services, warning that water may still cover low-lying areas.

It also advised residents to never drive, walk, ride, play or swim in floodwater, warning it is dangerous, toxic and may void car insurance, with fines potentially applying.

People were also urged to avoid storm drains, pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks and rivers.

For emergency help during floods and storms, or if isolated and requiring resupply, contact the NSW SES on 132 500.