The NSW SES encourages residents to take advantage of improved weather conditions to prepare for the possibility of more heavy rain and storms late this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NSW SES volunteers responded last week to 371 requests for emergency storm and flood assistance across the Mid-North Coast, Northern Rivers, Hunter and Central Coast as more rain fell on already wet catchments.
The rain resulted in several flood isolations across the Mid-North Coast and was responsible for a landslip in the Macleay area.
Recent flooding impacted low-lying areas of the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area, cutting off some bridges and roadways.
The clean-up work continues.
NSW SES incident controller Allan Budziarski acknowledged the contribution of NSW SES volunteers, North Coast residents and holidaymakers in dealing with the recent storms and flooding.
Superintendent Budziarski said: "Although we would prefer to see no flood rescues occur, to have only six last week across the North Coast, given the number road closures, is a credit to affected communities who have assisted emergency services by not driving, riding or walking through flood water."
Bureau of Meteorology data for the NSW North Coast shows some locations have received more than 600mm of rain during the past four weeks.
That saturated coastal catchments, resulting in these areas having little capacity to deal with further rainfall.
Consequently, the Bureau and NSW SES are closely monitoring the possibility of a coastal trough developing late this week bringing with it the potential for further heavy rainfall, flash flooding and riverine flooding.
The NSW SES is recommending residents use the break in the weather to clean gutters, trim tree branches and secure down items around yards and balconies.
The SES also advises now is a good time for residents that can be isolated by creek and river rises to stock up on essential supplies and for residents to be aware tree root systems will be weakened and susceptible to strong winds because of saturated soils.
For emergency storm and flood assistance call NSW SES on 132 500.
For road closure information visit the local road information website.