Flood warnings issued as rain ‘bomb’ drenches farmers

Landholders remain on alert for damaging winds and flash flooding, after more than 100mm of rain fell in eastern Victoria and southern NSW.

Gippsland farmers face more heavy rain and snow as the Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings for heavy falls and flood watches for the Cann and Genoa Rivers.

Meanwhile, conditions in New South Wales have begun to ease following recent heavy rainfall.

Farmers have largely welcomed the downpour, having escaped the worst of the damage despite wind gusts reaching up to 125km/h in some areas.

By Wednesday afternoon, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast that severe weather in NSW would continue to ease, but landholders were urged to remain vigilant for damaging winds and flash flooding.

The Cann River in far east Gippsland after up to 100mm of rainfall. Picture: Fiona Sheean

According to the BOM, the heaviest falls in the 24 hours to 9am were recorded along the NSW South Coast, and in the Monaro and East Gippsland regions.

On the South Coast, Ulladulla picked up a whopping 224mm in the 24-hour period, followed by Nowra with 157mm, Kiama 133mm, Merimbula 78mm and the major dairy hub of Bega with 47mm. Further inland, Braidwood registered 73mm, Bombala 47mm, Goulburn 29mm and Cooma 18mm,

Across the border in Victoria, Combienbar received 73mm, Gabo Island 58mm, Mallacoota 49mm, Bairnsdale 26mm, Gelantipy 25mm and Orbost 24mm.

A sodden paddock at Bega, NSW after 75mm of rain arrived this week. Picture: Supplied

In NSW, Bega dairy farmer Phil Ryan said he recorded 75mm in 24 hours and was relieved damage was minimal, although paddocks were quickly becoming waterlogged and cows were seeking shelter.

“It only did a small amount of damage,” Mr Ryan said. “We do have some paddocks that are pretty wet and the cows have been looking for shelter,” he said.

Mr Ryan, who milks year round, said the rain would be a boost for winter pasture growth.

“There have been a couple of dry patches for us, but overall it is a good season here,” he said.

Bega dairy farmer Phil Ryan. Picture: Katrina Walsh

At Braidwood, Garry Grant measured 72mm in his gauge by 9am.

“There is certainly water moving around here everywhere now,” he said.

Mr Grant said while conditions had been cold and windy they weren’t as damaging as further north around Nowra and Ulladulla.

“The rain will help through winter, and top up some soil moisture because growth has been slow, we have had a few frosts and it is getting cold,” he said, adding that dams and creeks would also benefit.