Coffs Harbour weather worsens as boaters warned of potential flooding
Region prepares for more wet weather while boaters have been warned not to risk their lives for ‘a few fish’.
Coffs Harbour
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Bray St, Coffs Harbour has been closed to traffic after heavy overnight rainfall continued into the morning.
Coffs Harbour SES announced the closure via their Facebook page where they warned drivers to stay clear of the area, take alternative routes, and not to enter flood waters.
There is an initial flood watch warning in place for the Orara, Bellinger and Nambucca Rivers and a severe weather warning for more heavy rain across the Mid North Coast today.
A Flood Watch means people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.
Coffs Harbour SES have activated the public sandbag collection point at Brelsford Park, near the intersection of Earl Street & Park Avenue.
The heavy rainfall could lead to both flash flooding and riverine flooding given the relatively wet state of the catchments already.
Once again, the Bellinger River at Thora hit the minor flood level overnight on Thursday, reaching 3.27 about 1.30am.
Marine Rescue NSW has issued a warning to boaters across the region to prepare before conditions deteriorated.
“Boaters should secure their boats’ moorings and storm covers. You need to take all possible steps to prevent your boat from breaking free and being washed by floodwaters on to rocks, the shoreline or nearby boats,” Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said.
Mr Tannos said people should reconsider heading out into the predicted hazardous surf.
“A Hazardous Surf Warning has been issued and will make coastal bars extremely hazardous, with conditions offshore becoming increasingly dangerous with heavy rain and poor visibility, increasing seas and swell and strong winds,” he said.
“Even if you are intending to stay in enclosed waters, flooding on coastal rivers and estuaries may result in strong currents and submerged and floating debris. Navigation markers also may become submerged, moved or damaged and channels and shoals may shift.
“In these conditions, staying at home is the safest option. It’s definitely not worth risking your life for a few fish.”
Key rainfall data from the last 24 hours:
Gundagai St Coffs Harbour – 9mm
Boyles Bridge, Corindi – 9mm
Glenreagh ERTS – 4mm
Dorrigo Mountain top – 16mm
Bowraville WTP – 14mm
Nambucca Heads – 18mm
Sawtell – 22mm
Woolgoolga WTP – 10mm
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