Major flooding is expected at Moree today. Flood levels at Moree are expected to be slightly higher than the November 2011 flood, but continuing rainfall throughout the catchment overnight may lead to a higher predicted height as flows become apparent.
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Live weather radar:
The Bureau of Meterology has issued the following predicted river heights.
Gravesend: peak near 15 metres around noon Thursday with major flooding
Pallamallawa: peak near 10.5 metres around 6pm Thursday evening with major flooding
Yarraman Bridge: remain around 7.3 to 7.4 metres through to Friday with major flooding; peak near 7.4 metres around noon Friday
Moree (Mehi River): exceed 9.5 metres around 3pm Thursday afternoon with major flooding; peak near 10.3 metres around 9am Friday morning with major flooding.
Further flooding is also expected along the Mehi River downstream of Moree following major local flooding in Tycannah Creek where the level is rising again.
Rain has been falling in the Gwydir River catchment with falls of 40-100mm recorded in areas across the catchment in the past 24 hours.
The revised predicted height for the Mehi River in Moree on Thursday [02/02/2012] has led to floodwater closing access to the Chinamans Lane and Stonnington Road areas and isolating properties. Sandbags have been located at the intersection.
A flood evacuation warning has been issued for residents in the following streets in Moree: Stonnington Road and Chinamans Lane. Kamilaroi Drive, Kirkby and Robertson Avenues. Drummond, Balo, Boston, Queen, Iris, and Calgorm Streets and Orana Ave. Webb Ave and Olive Crescent. Edward and Albert Streets. Heber, River, Warialda, Gosport, Morton and Oak Streets and Belah Lane.
All residents in Moree are advised to maintain an awareness of the flood situation from the Mehi River and Broadwater Creek; prepare as they would normally do in a flood event; and continually monitor radio reports about weather conditions.
The Albert Street Bridge and the Edward Street Bridge have been closed. The Mehi River Bridge will close this afternoon [2.2.12], which closes access between the north and south sides of the town.
As a guide for residents, at the predicted height of 10.3 metres flooding will be slightly higher than the November 2011 event in Moree when the river peaked at 10.24 metres.
Floodwater will break out near the rural residential subdivision of Bendygleet and surround 6-8 residences. Residences along Kooragamma Road may become isolated from Moree as well. Gwydirfield residents should also maintain an awareness of overland flooding in the subdivision.
Moree will be divided into two distinct precincts by the Mehi River.
At Yarraman sandbags have been distributed for use by residents.
The Newell Highway is closed south of Moree at Clarks Gully and there are large sections of water over the highway north of the town towards Boggabilla.
Pallamallawa is isolated with water over the road at Long Creek leading onto the Gwydir Highway.
Floodwater is impacting the Gwydir Highway near Biniguy east of Moree and the highway is closed to traffic for safety reasons. This will direct floodwaters onto farmland overland to the north and west of the village and eventually into the Mehi River.
At Gravesend, the predicted flood height will cause short term rural property isolations with potential for some property inundation.
If flooding occurs:
· Farmers should move livestock, pumps and farm equipment to higher ground.
· Campers should note how close creeks and rivers are to their campsite; organise campsites so they can be quickly relocated; and stay in touch with fellow campers.
· Don’t walk or drive through floodwater: it may be deeper and faster flowing than you realise.
· Stay away from storm drains, creeks and rivers.
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For emergency assistance please call the SES on 132 500. Only for life-threatening emergencies call 000.
Weather Forecast:
For the latest weather forecast see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/
< p>Latest River Heights:
Location Height of River Date/Time of Observation
Gwydir R at Bundarra 2.47m rising 06:30 AM THU 02/02/12
Halls Ck at Bingara 1.76m falling 06:00 AM THU 02/02/12
Horton R at Rider 8.57m falling 06:00 AM THU 02/02/12
Gwydir R at Gravesend 15.01m rising 06:00 AM THU 02/02/12
Gwydir R at Pallamallawa 10.29m rising 06:00 AM THU 02/02/12
Mehi R at Moree 7.77m rising 06:00 AM THU 02/02/12
Gwydir R at Yarraman Br 7.34m steady 06:00 AM THU 02/02/12
The SES is monitoring the situation. Keep listening to this radio station for updates.
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