Flood updates: Lismore, Ballina, Grafton, Tweed: rescues, evacuation orders, road closures, rainfall

While most of the Northern Rivers catchments are starting to fall as authorities search for fatalities, a fresh threat of more rain could see many rivers rise once again. FREE UPDATES

The history-making flooding which has destroyed homes and business across Lismore, Ballina and outlying centres like Woodburn has sparked more than 3000 calls for help in just a day.

The NSW State Emergency Service said on Thursday it had received 3166 calls for assistance.

As the massive east coast low started moving into the Sydney metropolitan area, the busiest locations have been: Gosford (403 calls) Wyong (223) Penrith (177) Liverpool (167) Blacktown (134) Lismore (118) Ballina (116).

Earlier in the week, it was reported there had been more than 1000 rescues across the Lismore area.

Late on Wednesday, NSW police sent out an updated list of all evacuation centres for NSW after the SES website was swamped. However there were reports overnight the email was sent out in error.

The Northern Star is seeking official confirmation from police.

Four people have now died in the state's flood disaster, with authorities recently confirming a man in his 70s was discovered inside a home in South Lismore.

We are continuing to provide rolling, free coverage of the flood crisis here

Areas in Northern NSW that have been subject to evacuation orders this week included

• Ballina Island
• Low Lying Areas of Western Lennox Head
• Low lying parts of Ballina CBD
• Low lying areas of South Ballina
• Low lying areas of Ballina and surrounding areas
• Wardell
• Low lying parts of Wharf St, Casino
• Low lying parts of Casino near river
• Low lying areas of Lawrence and surrounding areas
• Tweed Heads
• East Bellingen
• Low lying properties in Maclean
• Low lying areas Broadwater and Cabbage Tree Island
• Woodburn, Swan Bay and Surrounds
• Clarence River at Brushgrove and Cowper
• Low lying properties in Southgate
• Low lying properties in Ulmarra
• Murwillumbah CBD and low-lying areas of East Murwillumbah
• Low lying areas of Coraki
• Rocky Creek Dam
• Brunswick River at Mullumbimby
• Marshalls Creek at Billinudgel
• Ocean Shore, New Brighton, South Golden Beach
• Low lying properties in Iluka
• Lismore CBD
• North Lismore
• South Lismore
• South Murwillumbah, Condong, and surrounding areas
• Kyogle Lower CBD
• Tumbulgum and Surrounding Areas
• Uki

KEY WEBSITES

NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au

RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com

Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northcoast.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

MORE FLOODING FOR TWEED, M1 REOPENS’

The Bureau of Meteorology is warning minor flooding is possible in Chinderah overnight on Wednesday and into Thursday morning on the high tide.

Flooding along the Tweed River has eased with the flood level in Tumbulgum moderate.

However there is a potential for renewed rises to the minor flood level at Chinderah overnight and Thursday morning with high tides.

There is also potential for moderate to heavy rainfall over the next few days with possible renewed river rises.

Meanwhile, after being closed for several days the Pacific Motorway has reopened between the Queensland border and Ballina.

The M1 still remains closed between Tintenbar and Glenugie. Motorists are being asked to continue to avoid all non-essential travel in flood-affected areas.

SES URGES LISMORE RESIDENTS TO BE PATIENT

“There are a huge number of roads that are still flooded,’’ a message posted on Wednesday night said.

The State Emergency Service has urged Lismore people to be patient in trying to get back into their properties.

AUTHORITIES’S GRIM TASK

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said today was “probably the hardest day in Lismore’s history” as emergency crews undertake the grim task of searching properties for more fatalities.

So far two women in their 80s have been confirmed dead in Lismore.

LEGENDS, CELEBRITIES HELP LOCALS

Surfing legend Mick Fanning came to the rescue for northern NSW pharmacist Skye Swift, calling out from his jet ski: “We’ve got an emergency – we’ve got to get Skye to the pharmacy.”

Check out the photos and full story here.

And comedian Celeste Barber — who famously helped raise over $50 million for the bushfire crisis — has shared a GoFundMe fundraiser for the flood disaster, as her husband Api Robin and mate Joel Parkinson were filmed rescuing people in distress on the back of jetskis.

After spending the day rescuing dozens of Northern NSW residents and their beloved pets, Gold Coast surfing legend Parkinson came home to find thieves had struck his home.

DEVASTATING FLOOD CAPTURE NATION’S HEARTS

Many locals we spoke to, who have lived in the region for 60 years, and are well versed in dealing with floods, were completely caught out by the sheer magnitude of the deluge.

The drama has captured the attention of the nation as terrifying scenes of people waiting to be rescued on rooftops were broadcast live and shared on social media.

The Land Rover LifeFlight Special Mission helicopter has carried out numerous back to back winches and flood rescues in Lismore. Picture Landrover Lifeflight

Katie Davis was among those who warned her marooned family were running out of time with her husband readying a float from the kids’ surf and bodyboards in desperation.

“We will tie the leg ropes together and use them if that’s what it comes to,” she said, before rescuers reached the family.

The number of rescues across the Northern Rivers is now estimated at about 1000.

But into the night and Tuesday morning, many are still desperate for either them or their loved ones to be rescued.