BOM issues minor flood warnings for rivers across northern NSW

Forecasters have warned of possible minor flooding affecting various northern NSW rivers from this afternoon into Thursday. Here’s the latest.

Picture: NCA NewsWire/Elise Derwin/File

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned of possible minor flooding in the Brunswick, Tweed and Wilsons rivers from this afternoon into Thursday.

Residents in the areas surrounding the rivers have been warned to stay alert as a coastal trough extends from the Queensland coast to northern New South Wales.

The BOM has warned “isolated minor flooding” could occur in the Tweed and Brunswick Rivers from late Wednesday.

The wet weather continues. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Elise Derwin/File

“Further showers and moderate to heavy falls are forecast across the Northern Rivers for the remainder of Wednesday, before the coastal trough shifts offshore on Thursday,” the BOM states.

“Localised river level rises and flash flooding are possible within the areas of heaviest rainfall, with isolated minor riverine flooding possible along the Tweed and Brunswick Rivers …

“Catchments are wet from recent rainfall, with river levels elevated across parts of the Northern Rivers.”

The BOM said was a high level of uncertainty regarding the timing and location of the heaviest downpours.

Forecasters advised catchment specific flood warnings would be issued “if and when required”.

The Rous River and Marshalls Creek have already had minor flooding, as has the Wilsons.

Renewed Wilsons River rises to the minor flood level of 4.2 metres could occur on Thursday, according to the BOM, “following an initial peak during Tuesday”.

Colesmans Bridge over the Wilsons River was pounded by debris in the 2022 floods.

“Depending on where the heaviest falls occur, river levels may reach near the minor flood level during Thursday, with forecast rainfall,” the BOM states.

A flood watch was in place for parts of the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast on Wednesday.

The BOM advised flooding was no longer expected in the Richmond, Clarence, Coffs, Bellinger and Kalang rivers. catchments

Authorities urge people to keep away from rising water, fast-flowing creeks and storm drains ad to seek refuge in the highest available place if a flood hits.

Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater and prevent damage to vehicles by moving them undercover and in areas unlikely to flood, if safe to do so.

The State Emergency Service advises people should keep clear of fallen power lines, beware of fallen trees and debris on the road and stay vigilant to stay on top of developing situations.

For emergency assistance, phone the State Emergency Service (State Emergency Service) 132 500. For life threatening emergencies, phone triple-0 immediately.

Originally published as BOM issues minor flood warnings for rivers across northern NSW