"FLOOD WATCH FOR THE NEW SOUTH WALES COASTAL VALLEYS FROM THE QUEENSLAND BORDER TO NELSON BAY FOR THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY"
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Issued at 10:57 am EST on Thursday April 30 2015
Note: This Flood Watch is a "heads up" for possible future flooding along all rivers and creeks within a nominated valley and is NOT a Flood Warning [see note below].
A low is expected to form near the southeast Queensland coast during Friday, with heavy rain expected for much of northeast NSW. The low is likely to be near the Queesland border on Saturday morning and moving south. The heaviest and most widespread falls will occur in the Mid-North Coast and Northern Rivers districts on Friday and Saturday.
At this stage there is a greater than 70% chance of flooding in the following river valleys developing during Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
1. Tweed River valley - moderate to major flooding
2. Brunswick River valley - moderate to major flooding
3. Richmond and Wilsons River valley - moderate to major flooding
4. Clarence River Valley, including the Orara River - minor to moderate flooding
5. Coffs Harbour - minor to moderate flooding
6. Bellinger and Kalang River valley - moderate to major flooding
7. Nambucca River valley - moderate to major flooding
8. Macleay River valley - minor to moderate flooding
9. Hastings River valley - minor to moderate flooding
10. Camden Haven valley - minor to moderate flooding
11. Manning River Valley, including Gloucester - minor to moderate flooding
12. Paterson and Williams Rivers - minor to moderate flooding
This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop. Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service. Across NSW over 70% of Flood Watches are followed by flooding within the catchment.
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500.
For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
"SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING for HEAVY RAINFALL and LARGE HAILSTONES"
For people in the Northern Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast and Upper Western Forecast Districts.
Issued at 11:27 am Thursday, April 30 2015.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Northern Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast districts. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree and Dorrigo.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and large hailstones over the next several hours in parts of the Upper Western district. Locations which may be affected include Bourke, Wanaaring, Brewarrina, Enngonia, Barringun and Fords Bridge.
Wooli River Caravan Park recorded 75mm in the 60 minutes to 8.55am.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 2:30 pm.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
To stay updated check: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/