Police probe dangerous driving after truckie trapped in Wee Waa floods
Incredible photos have captured the moment a truck driver was rescued from floodwaters, as severe weather smashes the country.
Weather
Don't miss out on the headlines from Weather. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police have launched an investigation into alleged dangerous driving after a truck driver was rescued from floodwaters in Wee Waa on Sunday.
Around 5pm, police were alerted to a Prime Mover trapped in floodwaters about 2 metres deep just outside of the rural town.
With the help of the SES, the 71-year-old driver was rescued by boat and safely returned to dry land, with photos capturing the incredible operation.
Chief Inspector Robert Dunn urged drivers to avoid crossing floodwaters, highlighting the dangers posed by fast-moving water and debris.
“I am urging motorists not to attempt driving through floodwaters during this dangerous time on our state’s roads,” Inspector Dunn said.
“These waters can move fast and quickly overwhelm vehicles. They can also contain dangerous debris.
“Motorists who decide to drive through these waters are putting themselves and emergency services at risk and will face consequences for their actions,” he said.
Regions across northern and western New South Wales have been battered by heavy rainfall.
The Northern Rivers recorded nearly 250mm of rain, with Lightning Ridge and Walgett receiving more than 200mm.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued major flood warnings for the Paroo River, with floodwaters expected to rise to levels similar to the catastrophic floods of 1990 and 2010 at Willara Crossing and Wanaaring by next week.
Strong wind warnings are in effect for the Coffs Coast and Macquarie Coast on Monday, with conditions expected to reach the Hunter Coast and Eden Coast by Tuesday.
Elsewhere, parts of Queensland recorded up to 300mm of rain in just 24 hours over the weekend, sparking major flooding.
Stark photos from Bulloo Shire Council show parts of Thargomindah, in the state’s remote southwest, under water.
“Floodwaters have broken parts of the levy bank that Bulloo Shire Council tirelessly pushed up, which while unfortunate was to be expected with the sheer volume of water,” a resident of the town and council officer said.
“Residents in low lying areas have been evacuated to council depot for safety, kept in high spirits.
“Town is alive with the buzz of helping hands, but also the need to be safe and keep off the roads if you don’t need to be.”
Authorities are closely monitoring rainfall forecasts, as the persistent wet conditions continue to fuel widespread flooding.
Meanwhile, the search for a man feared missing in floodwaters 100km west of Taree in NSW resumed today.
Emergency services launched a large-scale operation late on Saturday, after the Barnard River broke its banks and swept an SUV towing a caravan into rising waters near Bretti Reserve on Thunderbolts Way, west of Gloucester.
Police set up a command post near the scene, co-ordinating efforts with PolAir, SES members, and the Rural Fire Service.
Despite overnight efforts, both the vehicle and the elderly male driver remain missing.
Authorities were told the driver had attempted to cross a causeway shortly before the vehicle was swept away.
The search will continue throughout Monday until nightfall.
Originally published as Police probe dangerous driving after truckie trapped in Wee Waa floods
Celeb hotspot taken out by huge wave
One of Sydney’s most iconic sites has been destroyed after a “hazardous” and “scary” swell smashed parts of the city, causing widespread damage.
Town to be cut off for six weeks in floods
The SES has warned some NSW residents to prepare for up to six weeks of isolation due to flooding.