An average of 170 millimetres of rain has fallen during the past 28 hours to 1.00pm. Heaviest falls have occurred in the lower half of the catchments near Gresford, Dungog and Clarencetown.
Due to heavy local rain the Paterson River at Gostwyck has been rising faster than expected. The forecast has been revised to reflect this.
Further heavy rain is forecast for today. Rain is expected to ease later this evening.
At this stage it is not possible to predict the flood peak because of uncertainty over how much more rain will fall.
Predicted River Heights:
Gostwyck Bridge. (Paterson River)
– with forecast rain reach 11.5 metres around 6.00pm this evening
– further rises possible with heavier rain
Dungog (Williams River)
– with forecast rain reach moderate flood level (7.6 metres) around 6.00pm this evening
– further rises possible with heavier rain
Mill Dam Falls (Williams River)
– with forecast rain reach 9 metres around 9.00pm this evening with moderate flooding
– further rises possible with heavier rain
Significant flooding of rural lands around Paterson, Dungog, Glen Martin and Clarence Town has occurred, along with the following events –
The following roads are closed –
* Vacy to Wallarobba Road at Horns Crossing. An alternate route is via the Gostwyck Bridge
* Fosterton Road, Dungog at Newells Bridge.
* Alison Road (southern end) at Thalaba Bridge.
* Glen Williams to Dungog Road closed at Banfield Bridge, Glen William.
* Hooke Street, Dungog
* Dungog to Raymond Terrace Road closed in various locations
* Glen Martin Road
Lower levels of the Williams River Holiday Park, Clarence Town have been inundated.
As a precaution, all schools in the Dungog Shire have closed.
Further likely consequences
if the river rises continue are that more low-lying rural areas may be flooded and rural roads may close. These are likely to include:
Paterson River – Gostwyck Bridge Gauge
Martins Creek Road may close.
11.2 metres
: The Paterson River may break its right bank at Paterson and begin to flood John Tucker Park. Floodwaters may then cross Maitland Road (Tocal Road) near the Albert Street intersection.
11.5 metres:
Maitland Road (Tocal Road) may close between John Tucker Park and the Albert Street intersection. An alternate route is via Sloane Street, Paterson.
Williams River – Dungog Gauge
The Dungog to Stroud Road (MR101) may close immediately west of the Coorei Bridge, between the level crossing and the bridge.
Williams River – Mill Dam Falls Gauge (Glen Martin)
7.6 metres
: Floodwaters may begin to inundate a small number of properties near the Jimmy Scott Bridge at Seaham.
8.6 metres:
Seaham Road may close because of backwater flooding at Seaham, resulting in the closing of the normal route between Clarence Town and Maitland. Alternate route is via Limeburners Road.
9.0 metres:
Glen Martin Road may close approximately 2km from intersection with Limeburners Creek Road.
Limeburners Creek Road may close 100m east of Williams River crossing.
The NSW SES advises:
do not allow children near floodwater, especially stormwater drains and creeks
never enter floodwaters as they are extremely dangerous due to strong currents, hidden debris and pollutants
ensure you can leave the area safely if conditions deteriorate – in particular be aware that exit routes may be cut before your location is affected
obey instructions from emergency service personnel
listen to local radio for weather updates, warnings and emergency advice
call the SES on 132 500 for emergency assistance
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately.
FloodSafe advice is available at
www.ses.nsw.gov.au <http://www.ses.nsw.gov.au>
Weather Forecast:
For the latest weather forecast see
www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw <http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw>
For latest rainfall and river level information see
www.bom.gov.au/hydro/flood/nsw <http://www.bom.gov.au/hydro/flood/nsw>
The SES is monitoring the situation. Keep listening to this station for further updates.
Great report. It was interesting to see what happens in the surrounding areas as the river rises.