Police are reminding motorists to exercise caution and obey signs around flood waters, after a driver was issued with a fine in the state’s north.
About 8pm yesterday (Friday 18 November 2022), a 57-year-old woman was travelling on Culgoora Road, Wee Waa, when she drove around road closure signs which had been posted due to recent flooding in the area.
Her vehicle entered flood waters and she became trapped; however, was able to contact emergency services.
Officers attached to Oxley Police District, and the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) rescued the driver from her vehicle before the car was removed from flood waters with the aid of specialist equipment.
No one was injured.
The driver was issued an infringement notice for disobey road access sign.
All roads into the town are expected to remain closed for several more days.
Police also remind people not to drive into flood waters, as they are not only putting their own lives at risk, but those of emergency services responding to those incidents.
Regional Emergency Operations Controller, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, said it’s a timely reminder to people not to take risks and drive through flood waters.
“Those who drive into flood waters put their own lives at risk, as well as the lives of the emergency services who respond to assist them,” Supt Sullivan said.
“The current emergency situation is dangerous enough for everyone, we don’t need the added danger of entering flood waters to rescue people who have decided to take a risk.
“The road closure signs are put in place for a reason, to protect the community; anyone intent on ignoring the signs and driving into flood waters can expect to be fined.”
Police are also urging all those in flood-affected or flood-prone areas to avoid all non-essential travel, with several roads closed and impacted by flood waters, landslips and fallen trees.
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit their website .
For the latest weather warnings, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website: .
For the latest road closures, please visit
In all life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).
