THERE is a major flood warning in place for Wollombi Brook at Bulga and a minor flood warning for the Lower Hunter River at Wollombi, Singleton and Maitland.
MAJOR FLOODING OCCURRING AT BULGA
Heavy rainfall has been observed in parts of the Hunter River catchment since Monday.
Major flooding is occurring along the Wollombi Brook at Bulga. Minor flooding is occurring at Wollombi.
Minor flooding is occurring along the Lower Hunter River at Singleton and Maitland.
Rainfall has eased across the Hunter River catchment. No further significant rainfall is expected.
Wollombi Brook:
Major flooding is occurring along the Wollombi Brook at Bulga. Minor Flooding is occurring at Wollombi.
The Wollombi Brook at Wollombi peaked at 7.95 metres around 11pm Monday, with minor flooding and is currently at 6.84 metres and falling.
The Wollombi Brook at Bulga peaked at 6.63 metres around 2pm Tuesday, with major flooding and is currently at 6.53 metres and falling slowly.
Lower Hunter:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Lower Hunter River at Singleton and Maitland.
The Hunter River at Singleton may reach the moderate flood level (11.50 m) late Wednesday morning.
The Hunter River at Maitland (Belmore Bridge) is currently at 6.07 metres and rising, with minor flooding. The Hunter River at Maitland (Belmore Bridge) is expected to remain above the minor flood level (5.90 m) during Wednesday, with minor flooding.
What SES is expecting:
At Bulga: (Bulga Bridge Gauge)
Waters close the Windsor-Singleton road (Putty Road) near Bulga Public School.
At Wollombi: (Wollombi Brook Gauge)
Flood waters may still impact Low-lying road crossings from Bulga to Wollombi and surrounding areas
At Singleton: (Hunter River)
The following roads may be affected:
- Putty Road, Doughboy Hollow,
- Army Camp Road, Glenridding,
Up to 16 residences may be isolated in Neotsfield Lane and Kannona Lane, Whittingham.
Significant inundation of rural areas at Doughboy Hollow and Whittingham
At Maitland: (Belmore Bridge)
Melville Ford Bridge at Aberglasslyn may be closed.
Stanhope Road may be cut at Kilfoyles Bridge between Luskintyre Road and Lambs Valley Road. Alternate route via Branxton and Stanhope
Windermere Road at Windermere may be cut just past Windermere House
What you need to do:
People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should consider:
- Never drive or walk through flood waters. If it's flooded forget it!
- Road closures and flood isolation may impact on work, family, health and educational commitments
- Monitoring emergency warnings and severe weather updates on local ABC radio, NSW
- SES Northern Rivers Facebook Page and Bureau of Meteorology website
- If your property is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or tables, placing electrical items on top
- If you are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so
- Securing outside belongings and before leaving; turn off the power, water and take essential medicines and clothes with you
- Farmers should move machinery, livestock, pumps and fodder to flood free ground
BOM Flood Safety Advice:
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
- NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
- AUSGRID Emergency phone line: 13 13 88.
- RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
- Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/midnorth.shtml
- Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
- Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
- BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW
