A Flood Watch has been issued for the parts of the South Coast including the Tuross and Moruya river systems. The SES has sent out text warning messages to mobile phones in the region.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that a trough is deepening near the NSW coast, and is expected to bring periods of heavy rain to the southern NSW coast this evening.
Rainfall may be enhanced by the development of small low pressure circulations within the trough, and thunderstorm activity.
Abnormally High Tides will add to the risk of flooding in lower tidal areas. A Severe Weather Warning for very heavy rainfall has been issued for parts of Illawarra and South Coast of New South Wales.
The forecast rainfall and high tides have the potential to cause localised flooding in low-lying areas. If this weather system intensifies, flooding could develop on the Tuross River. If so, the Bureau will issue Flood Warnings predicting flood heights for the Tuross River.
Current Tuross River levels include 0.60m/steady at Wagonga R at Barlows Bay and 0.93m/steady at Tuross R at Eurobodalla.
Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology, low-lying areas in and around Tuross Head may be affected by floodwaters. If heavy rainfall continues for longer than predicted, access roads may be cut and low lying rural areas may become isolated.
Flooding could also develop on the Moruya and Deua rivers. If so, the Bureau will issue Flood Warnings predicting flood heights at the Moruya Bridge and Riverview gauges.
Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology the following areas may be affected by floodwaters include low-lying areas around the Kiora Bridge and low-lying areas around the Mullenderee Flats and North Moruya.
If heavy rainfall continues for longer than predicted, access roads may be cut and low lying rural areas may become isolated.
People in areas that may be impacted by flooding should prepare their properties and homes and stay up to date with information. Listen to flood warnings and follow the advice on how to protect yourself, family and property.
Consider collecting essential items in a waterproof bag: food, water, warm clothes, medications, valuables, important documents, toys for children in case you need to leave. Keep your pets close by, always know where they are.
Clean up yards and secure moveable objects such as trampolines, barbecues and outdoor furniture. Check on your family, friends and neighbours and share this information.
Farmers and rural property owners should watch the river and be ready to move pumps, other equipment and livestock away from rising waters.
Safety is your highest priority - Never drive, walk or play in flood waters. For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
