Torrential downpours have wreaked havoc in the past week with the region copping another severe weather beating for the fifth consecutive month.
The Mid North Coast, alongside the rest of north-east NSW and south-east Queensland, has been thrashed with wild heavy rain and high winds causing road and highway closures, major flooding and widespread damage.
Between Tweed Heads to the Hastings River catchment rainfalls have totalled over 200mm in the past week.
Some towns including Dorrigo and Bellingen have been drenched with over half a metre of rain.
The Pacific Highway at Grafton remained closed on Tuesday, whilst earlier in the week, roads were blocked at Bellingen, Tweed Heads and other obstruction points along the Mid North Coast.
The downpours have been so severe NSW Police and State Emergency Service are urging residents to take all relevant precautions, as the rain continues to fall – and to help those in dire straits, a hotline was set up
(1800 227 228).
It’s been a rough few months with brutal weather conditions causing widespread chaos, said Dick Whitaker, Chief Meteorologist at The Weather Channel.
“It’s certainly been a wet and wild ride,” he said.
Mr Whitaker said Port Macquarie in particular has been washed out since September.
Statistics show that Port Macquarie was saturated with 154.2ml in September.
The average rainfall for that period is usually 66.7ml.
In October Port suffered 143ml of rain – the average normally 79.6ml.
In November a whopping 327.6ml of rain flooded the region with several big rain events, Mr Whitaker said.
This was double the annual average of 163.4ml.
In December a total rainfall of 131.4ml drenched our turf, whilst the average is 105.1ml.
Again in January so far 166ml had fallen on Monday.
The overall January average was 133ml.
The keel is certainly evening out, Mr Whitaker said, but it has been a disproportionately wet cycle.
Although rain is forecast to ease later this week, Wednesday had predicted falls of up to 50ml.
Be vigilant and stay safe, said Police.
“Listen to your local radio station, check the websites listed below, check with your neighbours and be prepared to move quickly if directed.”
Police said people in the flood affected areas are being urged to delay all non-essential travel.
“Floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away.
“Everyone should always remember to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.”
Further, the North Coast Rail Service has been disrupted between Brisbane and Coffs Harbour. Passengers seeking further information should contact www.countrylink.info or www.131500.com.au
For the latest on road closures visit the website www.livetraffic.com or contact Council.
Members of the community are also advised they can contact the NSW SES on 132 500 for emergency flood and storm help or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Residents can also visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au for a range of flood-related information.
For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero.
For the latest on road closures members of the community can visit the RTA website www.rta.nsw.gov.au or contact council.
