Another major flood warning in northern NSW as clean up begins
Communities across northern New South Wales are beginning their second flood clean-up in a month as water levels begin to recede.
But the flood risk is not yet passed.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a major flood warning for the Richmond River in northern NSW this morning.
“Floodwaters along the Richmond River combined with inflows from the Wilsons River have resulted in major flooding along the Richmond River at Coraki, Bungawalbin and Woodburn.
“The main flood peak is now reaching Woodburn where a major flood peak is expected on Friday.”
Residents in Lismore are beginning to grasp the extent of the flood damage as the water recedes.
“We’re probably down about $400,000 or $500,000 already,” one resident told 9News.
Some residents said they will need to completely refurnish their homes after the floodwaters destroyed everything.
“We have to redo the place and keep going,” a resident said.
“A lot of work, a lot hours.”
The second wave of flooding in Lismore saw water levels peak at 11.40 metres on 5pm on Wednesday.
Residents in low-lying areas of Mullumbimby, North Macksville, Kings Point, Nambucca Heads, Condong, Tumbulgum and Kyogle were permitted to return home on Thursday afternoon the NSW SES announced.
Shortly after the order was lifted, police announced they believed they had found the body of aged care nurse Anita Brakel, 55, in North Lismore days after she went missing in floodwaters.
It is the third flood related fatality in this week’s wet weather, after two men died in Queensland on Tuesday.
Weather system moves south
A moderate flood warning is current for the Wilsons River at Lismore.
BoM said the low pressure system that wreaked havoc in state’s north is moving south.
“There’s the chance of up to 150mm of rain for parts NSW over the next four days, as the focus shifts to the South Coast,” the Bureau said.
Meanwhile, damaging winds have hit Sydney, bringing down trees and even tearing off a roof.
A Storm Force Wind Warning and gale warning has been issued for most of the NSW east coast.
Strong winds will also be felt across Byron, which was hit by extensive flash flooding earlier this week.
Residents watch in horror as town is swallowed by floodwaters
Major roads damaged by landslips
Residents in flood-affected communities are being urged to be careful on roads as many have been damaged by heavy rains and floodwaters.
“Many major roads have been damaged by the heavy rainfall and subsequent landslips overnight,” Resilience NSW said.
“Please reconsider travel to flood-affected areas at this time and if you must travel, take care and follow the instructions of road crews.”
Landslides have also begun to occur on the Gold Coast and in Byron Bay.
It comes after more than 300mm of rain was recorded on the Gold Coast earlier this week.
