THIS week’s dangerous weather conditions continue to impact daily life, after forcing widespread school and business closures and prompting rescues and evacuations.
Landslips at Mr Seaview blocked the Oxley Highway in both directions with the area receiving 319mm of rain just in the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday.
Rural bridges and roads have suffered extensive damage and are closed to traffic, while flights in and out of Port Macquarie Airport were cancelled.
Heavy rain and wind gusts are expected through to the end of the week.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) confirmed flooding stretched from the Hastings and Camden Haven river catchments to the Macleay and Nambucca and down to Gloucester and the Myall Lakes.
In Taree, the SES had carried out close to 200 rescues by the end of Wednesday, as the Manning River broke its 1929 record of six metres and spilled into the town.
“These incidents act as a timely reminder never to drive, walk or play in floodwaters. If it’s flooded, forget it,” said SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey.
“The flooding continues to move quickly, so people should monitor floods and severe weather warnings.
“We ask those in the high-risk areas not to wait until it’s too late,” he said.
“Know what you will do if you do need to leave and follow the advice of the emergency services.”
SES Mid North Coast Command confirmed to News Of The Area that it was providing ongoing assistance in relation to leaking roofs, trees falling onto properties, and requests for sandbags.
Multiple government, Catholic and Independent schools either closed or moved to minimal supervision due to localised flooding and road closures.
The Wauchope and Laurieton Library branches, along with Council’s Customer Service Centres, were shut; as were all council-managed pools and 4WD beach access.
Local businesses took proactive measures, including sandbagging entrances and clearing drains.
On social media, residents shared their experiences. Some read:
“We’ve got water coming in through the back door and can’t leave the house. The paddocks are already underwater.”
“No buses this morning – school rang to say not to send the kids in.”
“The roads are like rivers; it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before.”
“Our backyard is completely submerged, and we’re worried about the rising water levels.”
With more rain forecast into the weekend, the SES warns that localised flooding, falling branches, and blocked roads will remain serious hazards.
Assistant Commissioner Storey said the SES remains well-prepared to respond to this multi-day weather event.
“We have additional flood rescue teams, aviation assets and volunteers positioned to respond to any requests for assistance.”
For emergency advice
– Download the Hazards Near Me app: nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app.
– Road closure information can be found at the Live Traffic app and website livetraffic.com/.
Follow local SES units: NSW SES Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Camden Haven and Mid North Coast on Facebook.
– Tune in to ABC Local Radio: 95.5 FM for the latest regional emergency updates.
– In emergencies, call NSW SES on 132 500.
– Call Triple Zero (000) for life-threatening situations.
For schools
– NSW public school closures: education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-operational-status.
– Catholic school updates: csnsw.catholic.edu.au/school-management/emergency-management.
– Check your child’s school’s Facebook Page.
By Sis HIGGINS
