NSW, Qld brace for wild weather | Updates

More than 4000 Essential Energy customers were without power along the north coast due to the current extreme weather conditions.

Strong winds have brought down a number of powerlines along with vegetation including trees and branches between the Tweed Valley and Forster.

One hundred residents at Bellangry, west of Port Macquarie were without power on Saturday afternoon while a further 50 on Stewarts River Road were affected.

A large tree fell in Granite Street, Port Macquarie on Saturday morning closing the residential road between Crisp and Savoy Streets. Another tree came down across Jonas Absalom Drive while debris litters streets across the region.

The fire brigade was called to Gordon Street at around noon after the roof on the Shell service station became dislodged in strong winds.

Fire station commander Geoff Peacock and crew used ropes to secure the roof as wind gusts continued to lash the coast.

Essential Energy crews are working to make repairs and restore supply to customers as soon as safety allows.

Essential Energy is reminding customers to report fallen powerlines by calling 13 20 80 and to stay at least eight metres away.

For information call Essential Energy on 13 20 80 or visit their website at essentialenergy.com.au 

The SES has upgraded the flood warning for the Hastings River.

North Shore residents have been advised that moderate to major flooding in the Hastings River is expected late Sunday night.

State Emergency Service (SES) spokesperson Steve Lawrence warned residents that water is expected to break the bank along Shoreline Drive sometime on Sunday night or early Monday if predicted localised rainfall of up to 300mm occurs over the next 24-36 hours.

North Shore Progress Association’s Narelle Milligan issued a warning to all North Shore residents to be alert but not alarmed.

“Major flooding, high winds and flash flooding are expected Saturday night as the east coast low intensifies and travels down coast.

“We suggest moving cars to higher grounds as local flash flooding may occur. Power might go out, sand bags and sand is available at the Fire Station on Shoreline Drive near Maria River Rd junction for those who wish to fill their own sand bags.

“At this stage the ferries will keep running unless high winds make it dangerous and ferrymen will put emergency procedures in place.”

Damaging winds from the north-east, averaging 60 to 65 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible in the far north, extending to central parts by Saturday afternoon then to the south by Saturday evening. Damaging winds are expected to persist into Sunday along much of the coast. 

Winds are expected to ease and turn north-westerly in the north early Sunday.

Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is possible in the north on Saturday and over the remainder late Saturday and during Sunday. 

The SES has issued a moderate to major flood warning for the Hastings River and a minor flood warning for the Camden Haven.

SES has advised that the North Shore is officially on Flood Watch with Sunday expected to be the worst day. 

Residents are urged to be prepared and to contact Northside Progress Association’s Narelle Milligan for an SES kit if required. 

Phone 0411236124 for a kit.

Weekend rainfall totals of 80mm to 150mm are likely for much of the area with localised falls between 200mm to 300mm.

Farmers are advised to monitor the weather and be ready to move their livestock, pumps and other equipment away from rising waters.

Oyster Lease Operators are advised to monitor the river for possible rises and be ready to move equipment.

Rising river levels may result in the closure of low lying bridges at Toorooka, Bellbrook, Turners Flat, Temagog and Sherwood.

Abnormally high tides which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas are likely.

Water levels will exceed the highest tide of the year during Saturday and Sunday evening high tides and the Sunday morning high tide.

Very heavy surf which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is likely.

Beach conditions in these areas will be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey said the forecast coastal conditions, with gale force winds and heavy swell, were too risky for safe boating.

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will be on high alert this weekend for any emergencies that should arise in the wild weather and sea conditions,” he said.

“The simple advice is to stay on shore.  It’s just not safe out there – for you or the rescue crews who would have to come to your aid in the event of an emergency.”

Waves off the coast of up to four metres are expected.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should: 

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500 or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.