Five townships in the Hunter under flood evacuation orders
Over 700 people have been evacuated across the Hunter region as floods continue to rise and weather experts predict more storms on Tuesday and Wednesday. See the pictures
NSW
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Flood evacuation orders have been issued for Gunnedah in the state’s north and several townships in the Hunter Region with La Nina poised to whip up even more thunderstorms midweek.
Residents in threatened communities have spent the weekend frantically trying to evacuate and move livestock to higher ground.
More than 100 homes have already been damaged by the wet weather and 20 submerged in the deluge at Gunnedah. It comes as weather experts forecast a peak in more thunderstorm activity on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The SES fielded more than 839 calls for help yesterday and have been directing people in several townships across the Hunter — including Whittingham, Scotts Flat, Glenridding, Dunolly and Combo — amid 732 evacuation orders issued.
“It’s heart breaking, first we had the drought, now we’re under water, the worst part is we thought we’d make some money this year and recoup our loses,” said Durham wheat farmer John Hampersum, whose 1500ha property has been left under water.
“We’ve moved the equipment and horses to higher ground and praying the weather forecast isn’t as bad as predicted for the week — we might be able to save some of the crop.”
The SES reports that the Peel River has burst its banks while the Lachlan River in Forbes, west of Orange, is likely to peak a second time as well as swell along the river at Condobolin.
Gunnedah, Narrabri, Wee Waa, Goondiwindi and Jemalong, Warren and Coonamble are all on flood watch alert.
Emergency services Minister David Elliott yesterday said there had been 12 flood rescues in the past 24 hours.
Fresh flood warnings have also been issued for the Hunter River at Maitland and Singleton, where a peak of 12.71 metres has been recorded, just below the major flood level of 13 metres.
732 EVACUATON ORDERS ISSUED
NSW SES is directing people in the townships in the Hunter, Whittingham, Scotts Flat, Whittingham Hall, Glenridding, Donolly and Combo and parts of New England Highway to leave their homes today, with 732 evacuation orders issued.
The SES report the Lachlan River in Forbes, west of Orange, is likely to peak for a second time on Sunday and also swell along the river at Condobolin.
More flooding is happening in Gunnedah, Narrabri, Wee Waa, Goondiwindi and Jemalong.
Warren and Coonamble are on emergency services watch alerts.
Emergency services have carried out 36 flood rescues across the state since midday Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology on Sunday morning issued a flood warning for the Hunter River at Maitland and Singleton, where a peak of 12.71m has been recorded — just below the major flood level of 13m.
Emergency services have established an evacuation centre at Alroy Sports Complex in Singleton and an animal refuge centre has opened in Singleton Sale Centre in Clydesdale.
A SES spokesman urged residents in threatened communities to make evacuation plans and guide livestock to higher ground.
“In affected areas, do not manage flood waters in vehicles, or on foot. Often water is deeper than it looks and you cannot foresee obstacles and threats under the water line. Please do not disobey road closures,” he said.
Flood Update: #Singleton currently just 0.3m below the Major Flood level of 13m. Conditions should start to ease today. An Evacuation Order is still in place. Keep an eye on river & road conditions and follow instruction from Emergency Services @NSWSEShttps://t.co/LQtkA4SOSkpic.twitter.com/gq2zQPOHNO
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 27, 2021
While some conditions have eased, more rainfall and unsettled weather has been predicted in coming days, with communities bracing for major flooding Tuesday and Wednesday in the east and north.
BOM experts said while Sunday’s weather was largely drier and more settled the thunderstorm risk would increase on Tuesday and Wednesday in northern NSW.
“Systems are moving through triggering the rain as well as La Nina contributing to having more moisture around Australia. We’re expecting a wetter summer than normal this year,” a BOM spokeswoman said.
Hello from a very saturated #Singleton. Thankfully, we’ve escaped major flooding. #Hunter River currently at 12.68m at moderate flooding levels @abcnewspic.twitter.com/brcRhVWwkA
— Bridget Murphy (@bridgetrose97) November 27, 2021
Already an extraordinary amount of water around #Singleton and the Hunter River hasn’t even reached the moderate flood level… @abcnewspic.twitter.com/CJmypTzxuD
— Jake Lapham (@JakeLapham) November 27, 2021
Singleton Heights resident Aimee Chick captured stunning vision of the rising floodwaters over the weekend.
While there had been relief in the air on Sunday, she said most residents were still on watch.
“There’s been some great support all ‘round to get animals and family out,” she said.
“Also really good presence and preparation of emergency services this time around compared to the 2007 floods.”
The SES warned major flooding was expected Narrabri and Boggabri over Sunday, as flood water moved downstream from Gunnedah.
The Peel River at Tamworth Rd Bridge was also experiencing major flooding.
The state emergency service flagged major flooding was likely at Goondiwindi on Sunday evening after persistent showers resulted in rainfall totals between 40-70mm overnight at Macintyre and Dumaresq, with close to 110mm at Booba Sands.
Further rainfall forecast later on Sunday and early next week is expected to exacerbate flooding further.
âš ï¸ #Flood Warning updated for Namoi River. Major flood peak forecast for Gunnedah today. See https://t.co/AdztI2rqg1 for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloodspic.twitter.com/YB2HEwDk0Y
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 27, 2021
In the past two days, flood warnings have been issued for Warren and rising flood waters have caused high concern in Coonamble.
Warnings are also in place for Singleton, Ashford, Canowindra, Goangra, Bugilbone, Dandaloo and Yarrama.
The Hunter River flood level is moderate at 12.57m but is nearing its peak and expected to rise to 8.4 meters tomorrow causing flooding at Maitland.
The river at Dundog was majorly flooded on Sunday at 4.49m and is now subsiding.
At Namoi the river is swollen at 7.8m but is standing steady although experts fear she will peak at 8.5m on Sunday night.
The creek at Narrabri is expected to exceed flood level.
The Peel River at Tamworth Rd Bridge was also experiencing major flooding.
The SES flagged major flooding was likely at Goondiwindi on Sunday night after persistent showers resulted in rainfall totals between 40-70mm overnight at Macintyre and Dumaresq, with close to 110mm at Booba Sands.
If you need help, call the SES on 132 500. If the situation is life-threatening call 000.
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