Evacuation Warning for low lying properties in Kempsey and the Lower Macleay
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicting possible flooding for
• the Lower Macleay areas.
• the Kempsey CBD and Eden Street areas, including low lying properties east of the railway north to Frederickton.
Forecast Flood Levels indicate a possibility of the Kempsey CBD Levee overtopping Tuesday morning.
As a result residents and visitors to these areas should take action now to prepare for possible flood impacts.
NSW SES is advising residents in low lying areas of the following locations that they may need to evacuate due to rising flood water. These areas include:
• Lower Macleay communities likely to be isolated due to inundated roads
• Upper Macleay communities likely to be isolated due to inundated bridges and roads
• Second Lane, Eden, Verge, Smith and Austral Street have started to inundate in Kempsey
• Smithtown
• Gladstone
• Belmore River
• Rainbow Reach
• Summer Island
• Kinchela
• Jerseyville
• Maria River Road
• Camping grounds at Delicate Nobby, Point Plummer and Racecourse
Low-Lying properties surrounding the following areas may also be impacted by rising flood water.
These areas include:
• South West Rocks
• Crescent Head
• Hat Head
• South West Rocks Road
• Smithtown Road
• Plummer’s Lane
• Macleay Valley Road
Low lying properties may experience impacts due to flash flooding and/or riverine flooding.
Storm and flood impacts may interrupt essential services such as electricity, phones, internet, water and sewerage.
People in these areas need to closely monitor weather and road closures and make informed decisions early based on individual circumstances.
Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so.
A Flood Evacuation Order will be issued by the NSW SES if and when evacuations are required.
Where to go if evacuation is required
Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. If you are unable to, an evacuation centre location will be notified in the Evacuation Order when issued.
What we are expecting
Once floodwater begins inundating the area, road access may be cut. If you remain in the area after this time, you may become trapped and it may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you.
What you need to do
Simple things you can do now:
• Lift possessions and important items above the predicted flood height.
• Take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables
with you.
• Leave as early as possible to avoid restricted roads.
• Share this information with family, friends and neighbours and help others where possible
