Rapid rain, flash floods: Our 2020 weather review

Have a look back on the major weather moments that defined 2020 for us.

A man and women from Nimbin needed rescuing by Murwillumbah SES Flood Rescue Officers early this morning when they drove through the heavily flooded Tweed Valley Way disobeying Road Closed signs.Photo Scott Powick Daily News

Last year was a wild year for the Northern Rivers thanks in no small part to the crazy weather which was experienced across the region.

From some wild rains and frightening floods to bushfires, there was no shortage of weather coverage in the area.

February saw the Northern Rivers receive a barrage of rain with a fast downpour creating flashing flooding situations throughout the region.

SEE MORE: Flash flooding forces local roads to close

After a quiet few months, the weather raged in the latter end of 2020. Bushfire season was announced early in local government areas as we looked to prevent a repeat of 2019.

SEE MORE: Be ready this fire season Council warn

The Bureau of Meteorology said in its 2020 weather statement that NSW had received the second most rain in the country and the Northern Rivers certainly can attest to that.

SEE MORE: 60+ weather stations record 100mm of rain

A driver was caught in flood water in Lismore CBD.

The rain was the real issue in the final months of 2020, as it fell with such speed and ferocity, cars where stuck in Lismore while areas were submerged around Murwillumbah.

SEE MORE: 100+ calls for help as rains bring chaos to the region

SEE MORE: 100 photos as floods devastate our region

The Murwillumbah region has been copping flooding rain in recent days. Picture: Liana Boss

The damage caused by the flash floods was extensive enough Prime Minister Scott Morrison arrived to declare Lismore a natural disaster area.

SEE MORE: Lismore a natural disaster area.

PM visits Lismore to meet SES and get a briefing on the storm and flood damage on the Northern Rivers. Photo: Alison Paterson

During that time, our SES volunteers were doing incredible work to help save those stranded by the flash flooding to protect the community.

SEE MORE: Five flood rescues recorded as SES unit reveals its busy day

If you thought 2021 was going to bring a change in the weather, it seems unlikely with BOM indicating La Nina is still in its peak for a while yet.

SEE MORE: The rains are coming and so is the heat for the Northern Rivers

It seems we’ve already had a taste of that, with residents being urged to stay vigilant as thunderstorms and floods could still be on the way.

SEE MORE: Thunderstorms and flooding still on the cards

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