BoM predicts high tide flood surge across Port Macquarie-Hastings region

The breaching of the sand berm occurred on Tuesday, December 15 after the region copped some of its heaviest falls since the weekend deluge.

It is the first time water has poured into the lake since it closed just months after being artificially opened by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council in May when the lake height reached the trigger point of 1.6 metres following low-lying flooding.

Heavy rainfall has been recorded across the Hastings River catchment since Monday and rapid river level rises have been observed in the upstream tributaries.

Wednesday's (December 16) high tide at 10am is expected to cause widespread flooding across Port Macquarie-Hastings.

A hazardous surf warning is current for much of the New South Wales coast.

Severe thunderstorm warnings may also be issued.

Read more: It's open: lake floodwater at Lake Cathie released to the sea

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Residents are urged to exercise caution on local beaches as dangerous conditions persist.

Lifeguards closed all beaches in the region earlier in the week as forecast dangerous seas were expected to worsen.

On Tuesday night, the State Emergency Service issued an isolation warning for residents of Kendall after the Camden Haven River peaked with predicted minor flooding at 10pm.

The Hastings River has also been placed on a moderate flood warning with high water levels due to surging tides also forecast over the next few days. The SES says this adds to the risk of flooding in lower tidal areas.

Low-lying regions around King Creek, Telegraph Point, Bellangry, Rollands Plains and even in Wauchope's CBD and along Houston Mitchell Drive at Bonny Hills experienced inundation into the evening.

What you need to know Wednesday:

At Logan's Crossing flood waters may start to impact low lying areas on Wednesday morning causing isolations and the possible closure of Logan's Crossing Bridge; possible isolation of rural properties north of Black Creek Bridge; and possible isolation of Swan's Crossing camp site.

Kendall may be isolated with the closure of Laurieton to Comboyne Road including the closure of Kendall Road.

At Laurieton, North Haven and Dunbogan, low lying streets in Laurieton, Dunbogan and North Haven including Dunbogan and Diamond Waters Caravan Park may start to flood.

Diamond Head Road, Camden Head Road and The Boulevarde may close.

Bains Bridge at Wauchope is now closed. The viaduct on Pembroke Road is closed due to flood debris.

At 7am Wednesday, a section of Houston Mitchell Drive at Bonny Hills is underwater and water is over the road at Fernbank Creek, Port Macquarie.

At Settlement Point in Port Macquarie and surrounding areas flood waters may start to impact low lying roads and bridges including Hastings River Drive and Settlement Point Road; North Shore - Shoreline Drive, Wombat Close, Dolphin Court and Marlin Place; Maria River Road; the Hibbard Ferry may cease operations; water may close Settlement Point Road; Settlement Point Ferry may cease operations; water may close Hastings River Drive and affect low lying residential and commercial properties and low lying parts of the Aquatic Gardens and Marina Caravan Parks may be inundated.

Road closures:

These road closures are current as of 7.30am Wednesday, December 16. For updates regular updates, click here.

Flooding update:

Rainfall observed by the BoM since 9am Tuesday:

For Essential Energy updates on power outages, click here.

Further north, the Macleay River at Kempsey may peak near the minor flood level (4.50m) around 11am Wednesday.

The Macleay River at Smithtown is expected to remain below the minor flood level (3.40m).

The Bellinger River at Thora is currently at 3.52 metres and falling with minor flooding.

The Bellinger River at Bellingen is currently at 3.89 metres and falling with minor flooding.

Minor flooding is occurring at Macksville. The Nambucca River at Bowraville has fallen below the minor flood level.

At Bowraville, Lane's Bridge has fallen below the minor flood level of 5.5 metres at 5am Wednesday.

At Macksville, Princess Street peaked at 1.9 metres around 1am Wednesday with minor flooding and is currently at 1.78 metres and falling

Low-lying areas next to water courses are inundated. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged. In urban areas inundation may affect some backyards and buildings.

In addition to the above, the area of inundation is more substantial. Main traffic routes may be affected. Some buildings may be affected above the floor level.

Evacuation of flood affected areas may be required. In rural areas removal of stock is required.

What you need to do:

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