Coffs Harbour weather: flood warnings for Sawtell, Bellingen, Nambucca

With 200mm of rain still to potentially fall on Wednesday, see which areas are cause for concern including camping grounds and creeks.

Over 200mm of rain has fallen in parts of the Coffs Coast in the past 24 hours.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have issued a severe weather warning as a result, as more heavy rain is expected throughout the day.

Falls of up to 150mm along the coast can be expected, while “dangerous and life-threatening flooding” is also possible in Bellingen.

BOM predicts the early afternoon through to the evening as the most likely period for heavy rainfall, which may cause landslides and further flooding.

SES have kicked into action around NSW as the Sydney deluge makes its way north.

A predicted six-hourly rainfall above 200mm are possible, with thunderstorms after Bonville, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour were already hit with about 200mm since yesterday.

BOM have issued a flood warning for the Nambucca River, with further rainfall forecast.

The Nambucca River is expected to exceed the minor flood level (5.50 m) in the morning and is predicted to reach around seven metres by the early afternoon, causing moderate flooding.

State Emergency Service (SES) Coffs Harbour deputy commander of operations Ian Horncastle said his team are currently monitoring the situation, and the majority of calls received were overnight, due to water in homes.

Heavy rainfall has caused flooding at Wirimbi Rd - the main route between Nambucca Heads and Bowraville. Picture: Kim Jury

Mr Horncastle said camping areas are a particular concern – with parts of Sawtell potentially needing to be evacuated.

“We expect 100mm this afternoon, if it keeps going we might see more flash flooding,” Mr Horncastle said.

School holidays have resulted in more residents out of their homes – many of which took to the rivers and creeks to camp.

“We’re worried about local creeks and camping areas, creeks are right up there,” Mr Horncastle said.

Lavenders Bridge in Bellingen is expected to flood, as water continues to pile in from Armidale.

“There haven’t been enough dry spells so the grounds are still very saturated and it won’t take long to get up again,” he said.

Mr Horncastle said water has accumulated on roads near the back of Coffs Harbour hospital and Isles Drive – where one car required rescue after driving into flood water.

The Coffs Coast has been issued a severe weather warning by BOM for rainfall and damaging winds.

Latest warnings:

Isles Drive near Englands Road is currently underwater and impassable.

Coffs Ck - rising (below minor)

Bellingen River: rising

Nambucca River – rising

Kalang River – rising

Red Rock (Corindi River) – rising

Corindi R at Pacific Highway - rising

Woolgoolga Ck at Woolgoolga - rising

Coffs Inner Harbour - rising

Boambee Entrance (Boambee Creek) - rising