Tumbulgum evacuated while Lismore prepares for major flooding
CBD businesses have moved their stock to higher ground as they prepare for flood water to fill their stores.
Lismore
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It was all hands on deck in Lismore’s CBD on Sunday as businesses moved goods from the path of impending flood water.
Lismore residents are preparing for possible major flooding as the CBS levee came close to overtopping on Sunday afternoon.
The State Emergency Service expects the Wilson River will reach a major flood level of 10.6m on Monday morning if the forecasted heavy rain continues.
They also issued an evacuation alert for the area meaning residents are advised to prepare for flood impacts.
Electrical store owner Elton Cummings had about 20 people with him working throughout the day on Sunday to move his good to higher ground.
He said he had lost count of the amount of times he had stripped his store to beat impending flood water since taking over the Molesworth St site about 40 years ago.
“We came in at about 9.30am,” he said.
“We basically had to strip the shop completely down to nothing.”
He said it was a common occurrence in the 1980s when he used to have to strip the shop down three or four times a year.
The biggest hurdle for him is a loss of income.
“Setting up is the trick, (we will) see whether it’s going to clear tomorrow or not,” he said.
There were similar scenes throughout the CBD as business owners moved their stuff either out of their stores or above expected flood heights.
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning of six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 250mm in some areas with the heaviest falls coming on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.
Moderate to major flooding has been announced along many catchments on the North Coast with more road closures on Sunday.
State Emergency Service units across the mid and north coast answered close to 900 calls for assistance in the 24 hours to 11am on Sunday.
Tumbulgum and surrounding areas
An evacuation order was issued to the people of Tumbulgum and surrounding areas just after 9am on Sunday morning as heavy rain lashed the Tweed River.
SES was concerned the Tumbulgum flood gauge would reach over two metres at which point the town would be cut off.
The emergency services directed people in the area to evacuate using Terranora Road and seek shelter at the evacuation centre at the Salvation Army in Banora Point.
Chinderah, Fingal Head
A flood evacuation warning was issued to the people of Chinderah and Fingal Head just after 1pm on Sunday.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting more flooding of the Tweed River at Barney’s Point and has urged residents to prepare for flood impacts and follow advice given by authorities.
Mullumbimby
An evacuation warning has been issued to the people of Mullumbimby with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting possible flooding of the Brunswick River.
NSW SES is advising residents of Mullumbimby to prepare for possible flood impacts and advise people in low-lying areas that they may need to evacuate.
Moderate rainfall has consistently showered the Brunswick River and Marshall Creek leading to rising river levels.
Wiangaree, Kyogle, Casino, Woodburn, Bungawalbyn
These areas in the catchment of the Richmond river should be prepared for possible minor-to-major flooding late on Sunday and into Monday morning.
Minor flooding is already underway at Coraki and Bungawalbyn.
Summerland Way is closed in both directions due to flooding with residents being urged to use the Pacific Highway instead and allow for extra travel time.
A flood evacuation warning was issued at 4pm on Sunday for residents of Uki after possible flooding of the Tweed River.
Residents in low-lying properties on Smith Creek Road between Kyogle and Clareville Roads, and Kyogle Road between Smith Creek and Old Convent Roads are to be ready to evacuate rising flood water.
Premier urges caution
Premier Dominic Perrottet urged Northern NSW residents to avoid driving through flood waters and to follow the instructions provided by the Special Emergency Services.
Mr Perrottet said flood warnings are in place in the state’s Northern regions but are expected to be issued further south this week.
SES spokesman Dave Rankin said he had been pleased with the way residents of the Northern Rivers had listened to calls to stay safe.
“People have been doing the right thing which makes the job for our crews easier,” he said.
“Unless you desperately need to be on the road stay at home.”
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