Residents told to stay indoors after 115mm of rain falls in four hours

RESIDENTS of Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Hastings Point are being urged to stay indoors as heavy rainfall raises the threat of flash flooding.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 115mm of rain at Byron Bay over four-hours from 9am with Coopers Shoot recording 117mm.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has received multiple calls for assistance involving people and vehicles trapped in floodwaters.

Chaotic scenes unfolded in Bangalow as parents rushed to collect their children from school amid fears the site could soon be evacuated.

Emergency services were deployed across the village, enforcing a number of road closures.

The Bureau of Meteorology says a slow-moving line of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms has developed across the Northern Rivers. The system is gradually moving north and is expected to bring isolated areas of heavy rainfall throughout the afternoon.

Byron Shire Council confirmed localised flash flooding in parts of the Byron Shire including Bangalow, Byron Bay and Suffolk Park.

There was a rapid rise in water in parts of the Byron Bay town centre with Council and contractors bringing in pumps and sandbags around the worksite for the Byron Bay drainage project.

“Byron Bay is particularly susceptible to flash flooding during heavy rain because the old drainage system cannot cope with the volume of water,” council’s director infrastructure services Phil Holloway said.

“It’s this type of flash flooding that the Byron Bay Drainage Project is designed to reduce, and the weather certainly caused some challenges for contractors at the work site on Jonson Street this morning.

“What was frustrating to see were some people driving fast pushing stormwater back to already overflowing gutters.

“While we are working on replacing drainage infrastructure, the town’s drainage remains connected to outlets, but the problem today was that the stormwater pipes couldn’t cope with the amount of rain in such a short period of time,” Mr Holloway said.

“I am pleased to report that Mullumbimby Road was not impacted by flash flooding today, thanks to the recent major upgrade of the road,” he said.

Authorities warn the situation could change rapidly. The NSW SES will continue monitoring conditions and update warnings if circumstances worsen.

Residents are urged to download the Hazards Near Me app for updates, as flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning.

For assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, dial Triple Zero (000).

For the latest updates, follow NSW SES on Facebook.