Residents and visitors in northern inland parts of NSW are being urged to stay up to date with weather warnings as heavy rain is forecast, bringing a risk of flash flooding in low lying areas.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is asking people in the north western NSW communities of Broken Hill, Cobar, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Warren, Nyngan, Narromine and Walgett to monitor conditions and never drive through flood water.
An inland trough is forecast to develop in the region from Monday as the remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily move from Queensland. This trough has the potential to bring significant rain to some western areas, before the system weakens and shifts to the state’s east on Tuesday.
Western Zone Deputy Commander, Superintendent Colin Jones said rainfall of 20 to 60 millimetres was likely, but localised heavy falls of up to 100 millimetres was not out of the question.
“The NSW SES has prepositioned assets and personnel throughout the region, and we are well-resourced to respond to any calls for assistance,” Superintendent Jones said.
NSW SES currently has four advice warnings in place for possible minor riverine flooding, including on the Paroo River at Willara Crossing, low lying areas on the Barwon River and for possible minor flooding on the Warrego River.
“This weather forecast is expected to cause flash flooding, and minor riverine flooding in low lying areas around the Paroo, Barwon and Warrego Rivers” Superintendent Jones said.
“I would encourage the public to follow the advice of emergency service personnel on the ground and to not drive through floodwater.
“People camping in low lying areas should be aware of flash flooding and potential riverine rises.”
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
