HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop about parts of the Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and east of about Tenterfield in the Northern Tablelands from Thursday evening. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 120 mm, increasing to 180 mm about the Border Ranges. 24-hour totals between 100 and 200 mm are likely, increasing to 300 and 350 mm about the Border Ranges.
In the same areas, locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING may develop during Friday and continue into Saturday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 200 and 250 mm and 24-hour totals between 350 and 450 mm are possible, particularly over the Northern Rivers and the eastern facing slopes of the Northern Tablelands. These rainfall numbers are dependent on the movement and position of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 65 km/h with peak gusts to 100 km/h over the coastal fringe of northeastern New South Wales north of Grafton and extending to the Border Ranges this evening. These conditions may extend across parts of the Northern Tablelands on Friday. Peak gusts increasing up to 120 km/h along the coastal fringe north of Grafton from this evening, and about the Border Ranges early Friday.
A Tropical Cyclone Advice and Forecast Track Map is current for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. This can be viewed at http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDQ65002.shtml
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Report fallen power lines to Essential Energy (132 080)
- Don’t drive, ride or walk through flood water
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
