Update 1.45pm
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A FLOOD watch alert has been issued for the Macquarie River in Bathurst due to forecast heavy rains.
The Bureau of Meteorology alert advises moderate flooding could occur at the Macquarie River in Bathurst.
Forecast rainfall and high tides have the potential to cause flooding as well as local flash flooding from Saturday and into Sunday and Monday as the weather system moves south.
A flood watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.
Flood warnings will be issued if minor flood level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.
Across NSW more than 70 per cent of flood watches are followed by flooding within the catchment.
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500.
For life threatening emergencies, call triple-0 immediately.
Earlier
A SEVERE weather warning has been issued for Bathurst and the Central Tablelands for Friday afternoon and across the weekend.
There forecast is for damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
An east coast low is forecast to develop off the southern Queensland, or the northern New South Wales coast, late Saturday, and then expected to move southward on Sunday.
Damaging winds from the northeast, averaging 60 to 65km/h are predicted, with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday along much of the coast.
Winds are expected to ease and turn north-westerly in the far north early Sunday.
Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is possible in the north Saturday afternoon and over the remainder late Saturday or Sunday.
Weekend rainfall totals of 80-150 millimetres are likely, with localised falls between 200 to 300mm, for much of the coastal area.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony
- Keep clear of fallen power lines
- Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring Bathurst SES Unit on 132 500.
