The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is advising residents in the Settlement Point, Hibbard Drive and North Shore areas of Port Macquarie to prepare for possible minor flooding due to large spring tides.
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Advice from the Bureau of Meteorology suggests that the Hastings River at Settlement Point may reach minor flood levels during the two metre morning high tides on Tuesday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 6.
The high tides are likely to cause the river to reach minor flood levels on the top of the tide, these elevated river levels will recede with the outgoing tide. The situation could be exacerbated by potential rainfall associated with a low off the coast.
NSW SES and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will monitor the situation.
Should the minor flood levels eventuate it is possible that water may start come across low lying foreshore areas and roads in Settlement Point, Hibbard, North Shore and Fernbank Creek areas.
At this stage it is unlikely that the abnormally high tides will interfere with the regular operation of Settlement Point and Hibbard ferries. Residents and visitors encouraged to monitor the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council website for ferry service information updates.
NSW SES Mid North Coast region controller, Tony Day said there should not be any cause for concern.
“We are not expecting any major issues such as property inundation or road closures that can occur with traditional flooding due to excessive rainfall,” Mr Day said.
“However we are asking residents in these areas to exercise caution during the morning high tides and avoid driving through flood water.
“This event is a reminder of the risk of riverine flooding that does exist in the area and provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to develop or review flood emergency plans and to put together a home emergency kit.”
For emergency assistance in storms and floods call the NSW SES on 132 500 and in life threatening situations call triple zero.