More than a month’s worth of rain fell in Moree in just one hour during Monday afternoon’s wild storm, leaving streets and backyards flooded.
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Moree received 55mm of rain from 6pm to 7pm alone and by the end of the day had recorded a total of 59.8mm of rainfall – more than 10mm more than the March average of 48.6mm.
Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Jordan Notara said Moree recorded one of the highest amounts of rainfall in the state on Monday.
“It was in the top 10,” he said.
“Nowhere else in your region got as much as Moree.”
Dubbo recorded the highest rainfall, with 69mm falling throughout the day.
With such a high amount of rainfall in a short space of time, Moree State Emergency Service crews were kept busy, receiving a total of 11 call-outs on Monday night, and a further four on Tuesday morning.
“Some were due to water seeping into properties due to the force of water falling,” Moree SES duty officer Clare Sturdy said.
“A lot of the issues were to do with water leaking into roofs which has possibly come from blocked guttering.”
A number of trees were also down in the area and Moree Plains Shire Council crews were busy cleaning up on Tuesday.
Residents are encouraged to report any storm damage to community assets.
While no major damage was caused by the storm, it did leave behind plenty of water with many backyards and streets overflowing.
In particular, Balo Street and Warrina Crescent were two of the streets most affected with water covering the roads.
“Damage wasn’t huge but the amount of water was,” Ms Sturdy said.
“There was a lot of water gathering, mostly because drains couldn’t take it fast enough.”
On Tuesday morning the Bureau of Meterology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the state, including Moree, however Mr Notara said it’s unlikely Moree will receive another deluge like Monday.
“The storms that are out there aren’t moving towards Moree; right now its not in the most likely area to get the highest total of rainfall,” he said.
“Storms are likely to dissipate as the week goes on.”
Moree residents are advised that the biggest thing they can do to prepare for another storm is to clean their gutters to prevent water leakage.
The SES also 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 at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
- 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.
Ms Sturdy said people should call Moree Plains Shire Council on 6757 3222 if a tree has fallen on a road.
The SES can assist with fallen trees that are causing damage to personal property or preventing access to a property or driveway.
More photos here.