THE flooding at Narooma on Tuesday, particularly on the Flat, was caused by the sheer volume of water and not any problems with drainage or high tide, according to Eurobodalla Shire Council mayor Lindsay Brown.
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Brown, who himself lives on the Narooma Flat, said he watched the water rising quickly from daybreak on Tuesday.
But council work crews had been out on patrol since 5am and there were not any problems with blocked drains in the area around McMillan Road and Lynch and Brice streets that flooded.
Neither was there a high tide in Wagonga inlet at the time but rather it was just the sheer volume of water with up to 30mm every hour, he said.
The Narooma area received around 240mm during the day on Tuesday and one our readers in North Narooma let us know that it was bucketing down at a rate of 6mm a minute at around 8.30am.
Narooma residents and houses also appear to have escaped any major damage, although there were reports of some garages in low-lying areas going under.
Brown said closing off the flooded roads to sightseeing was an important step as in previous floods it was the wake from passing vehicles that had done the damage.
Landslides from the Tuesday’s event, including at the embankment just north of the Narooma Bridge and also at Kianga Creek on the highway, had now been stabilised and repaired.
The only road still be closed was Sunnyside Road at Mystery Bay where a raging Victoria Creek had caused damage to the causeway.
The rain was still having impacts with Corunna Lake to the south opening naturally this morning.
Council meanwhile has issued warnings for people to stay out of flood waters.
“With the current wet weather increasing runoff in our creeks, rivers and beaches, Eurobodalla Shire Council would like to remind residents and visitors not to swim while it is raining, or for a few days afterwards,” the statement read.
“Runoff from pastures, forests and urban catchments into swimming holes, beaches, small urban creeks and waterways can result in turbid, polluted waters that can affect the health of swimmers.
“By making the water murky, debris, sediments, soil and pollutants can also affect swimmers' safety. They can make it hard to see hazards like sandbars, logs and rocks.
“Council asks residents and visitors to please respect the warnings and the advice on signs that are put up when and where there are potential water quality issues.”