NSW STATE Emergency Service (SES) has issued a flood warning for the Tweed Shire as cyclone Debbie is expected to track slowly southeast and the low-pressure trough deepens near the border.
The Flood Watch is for moderate to major flooding on the Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond and Wilson Valleys and was confirmed by the Bureau of Meteorology today.
“A cold front moving through NSW during Thursday will interact with moisture from Tropical Cyclone Debbie, leading to widespread rain over the state’s east. Particularly heavy rain is expected in parts of the northeast on Thursday, likely continuing into Friday as a low-pressure trough deepens near the Queensland border,” the Bureau said.
“This weather system has the potential to cause river flooding as well as local flash flooding to develop along the following river valleys from today (Thursday, March 30).
The flood watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams “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.
NSW SES Richmond Tweed Region Controller Andrew McPhee said people in the Northern Rivers need to be aware of the imminent weather and the potential flooding effects that it may cause later in the week.
Andrew also says that people need to monitor the weather conditions, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, and make smart decisions when preparing for, or travelling in severe weather events such as this.
The warning follows the Tweed Shire receiving more than 300mm of rain during mid-March and fears that high sub soil moisture levels could result in fast running water and possible flood.
The NSW State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, keep children and pets indoors as well.
Never drive, ride or walk in floodwater!
For emergency help in floods and storms, call NSW SES on
132 500.
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
Farmers and other landholders should keep a watch on their streams and be prepared to move pumps, equipment and livestock to higher ground.
For road information contact your local council or visit the myroadinfo.com.au website or for main roads call the Roads Maritime Service on 132 701.