Menindee floods likely to peak above 1976 level despite waters steadying over the weekend

The Bureau of Meteorology say it’s unlikely Menindee flood levels will reach 10.7 metres after outflows stabilised over the weekend but a flood peak above the 1976 flood record is still possible.

Flooding in the Menindee area, NSW, on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/pool/Samara Harris

Floodwaters in the northern NSW town of Menindee steadied over the weekend but the Bureau of Meteorology has warned there’s still a chance flood levels could peak above the 1976 flood record early in the week.

Fears the Menindee floodwaters could reach a record 10.7m are likely to be assuaged after “relentless” flooding over the week calmed to a “slow-moving” flood that looks to have stabilised at 10.25m, NSW SES said. Thirty properties along the banks of the Darling River have been inundated, with 10 people evacuated by SES.

However, while flood levels have remained below the 1976 record so far, the bureau’s senior hydrologist, Alex Clifton, said depending on outflows through Sunday, Menindee could still peak at 10.5m early in the week.

“In terms of the rainfall totals that might impact flood levels, it’s negligible – so that’s not an issue – and the two-week climate outlook also shows lower-than-average rainfall,” Mr Clifton said.

“So we’re not expecting that 10.5m peak immediately now, and that’s going to be likely reflected in the warning tomorrow.”

NSW SES spokesman Andrew McCullough said SES crews were continuing to conduct welfare checks on remaining Menindee residents.

“We’ve had evacuation warnings in place since December 30, some people have left and we’ve put them into motels and other different places to stay,” Mr McCullough said.

He said while many residents had decided to remain despite evacuation warnings, “resilient” residents were well prepared and supported by SES crews.

However, flood warnings are expected to escalate for townships located further downstream as the flood peak travels towards South Australia, Mr McCullough said.

“While the flood hasn’t peaked at Menindee yet, there’s a large volume of water that‘s already making its way downstream,” Mr Clifton added.

Flooding is seen in the Menindee area. Picture: NCA NewsWire/pool/Samara Harris

“So communities like Pooncarie and Burtundy are likely to be impacted later in January.”

Pooncarie is expected to exceed moderate flooding around mid-January, with Burtundy expected to exceed major flood levels around late January.

SES has advised communities downstream of Menindee to “be prepared” and to abide by any warnings issued by the SES.

SES has also warned that as floodwaters recede in Menindee, mosquitoes and waterborne diseases could pose health issues for residents.

Mr Clifton also warned that with forecast high temperatures for Menindee, residents should not be tempted to enter nearby floodwaters.

“We are forecasting some hot temperatures in that area and because it’s the holidays as well, people may want to try and head towards the water, but our floodwaters are quite dangerous,” he said. “It might seem tempting but there’s always a high risk of drowning around this time of year so that’s something the community should be aware of.”