A MAJOR flood warning has been issued for the Gwydir River on Tuesday morning, as rain continues to soak the region.
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) alert said major flooding is likely at Gravesend Road Bridge and Moree.
Rainfall totals of between 50mm and 150mm have been recorded in the Gwydir catchment since 9am Monday.
And, to make matters worse, further heavy rainfall is forecast for the same catchment in the coming days.
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The State Emergency Service (SES) said Pallamallawa is likely to be cut off from both Moree and Warialda on Tuesday.
Roads have been closed as rivers rise, and water begins to run.
The Newell Highway between Moree and the Queensland border is closed in both directions due to flooding.
The highway is also closed in several places between Moree and Narrabri.
The Carnarvon Highway between Moree and the Queensland border is closed in both directions, and the Gwydir Highway is closed in both directions near Gravesend.
There is no longer any access to Queensland from NSW via the New England Highway, with the road now closed in both directions at Jennings.
The SES said overland flooding may occur between the Gwydir and Mehi rivers, and roads from the Gwydir Highway to Pallamallawa may close.
The Gwydir River at Pallamallawa was below minor at 1.42m and remained steady on Tuesday morning, but is expected to reach minor flood levels late Tuesday morning, exceeding moderate by the time the evening rolls around.
Water is likely to cover the stretch of road on the Gwydir Highway east of Moree, cutting off the road, authorities said.
The Gwydir River at Yarraman Bridge is likely to reach moderate flooding levels early Tuesday evening.
Overland flooding will occur in the Gingham and Big Leather Watercourses to the west of the Gwydir Raft.
The low level, single lane concrete bridge at Brajeen Crossing may close.
The next flood warning for the area will be issued by the BoM at 12:30pm.
Mehi River, Moree
Major flooding is also likely along the Mehi River.
The Mehi River at Moree was at at 4.16m early on Tuesday morning and continuing to rise.
The BoM said the river will exceed the minor flood level, 5.50m, late on Tuesday morning.
The river level is expected to exceed the moderate flood level, 7.60m, by the evening and is likely to exceed the major flood level on Wednesday morning.
Bundarra
Bundarra's water levels are also rising, with the Gwydir River rapidly flowing.
The river is currently at 2.88 meters, which is considered below minor, but is rising.
The river is expected to remain below the minor flood level (8m).
Flood Safety Advice
In life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- Avoid drowning;
- Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place;
- Prevent damage to your vehicle;
- Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood;
- Avoid being swept away;
- Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains;
- Never drive, ride or walk through flood water, flood water can be deceptive and dangerous
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
* NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
* RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
* Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northwest.shtml
* Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
* Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
* BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW
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Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
