Thousands of Aussies told to get ready to flee amid fierce weather
Rapidly rising water levels in the central west of NSW have forced thousands of residents to prepare to evacuate their homes with fears of catastrophic flooding similar to 2016.
Severe weather warnings were issued for all states and territories across Australia last week, with residents told to brace for rain, flooding, and damaging winds.
Authorities are concerned about Forbes – located 350km west of Sydney – with NSW SES urging more than 8000 people to prepare to flee.
Water levels to reach 10.65 metres
There's possible major flooding of the Lachlan River, predicted to reach 10.55m on Tuesday and 10.65m on Wednesday morning.
“The situation is likely to change and it can escalate quickly,” the SES warning read.
"Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so."
“If you are in Forbes your best opportunity is to start preparing your home or business and make arrangements to move to safety before flooding starts affecting you.”
⚠️#Flood Warning issued for #NamoiRiver. Minor flooding possible at #Bugilbone on Wednesday and #Goangra on Sunday. See https://t.co/jJWt2wlxel for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/HCVWlObopa
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 14, 2021
⚠️ Severe Weather Warning re-issued for Damaging Winds in southern NSW. Expect winds to ease during the morning today. Further details at: https://t.co/4mU5BnDwZV pic.twitter.com/O0dPtrvUR0
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 14, 2021
The flood levels are predicted to reach similar levels to the September 2016 floods, where the Lachlan river rose to 10.7m. Sadly, one person died in the flood and the area was declared a natural disaster zone.
The now full Wyangala Dam is sitting at 104 per cent capacity on Monday morning, with the Bureau of Meteorology saying floodwaters combined with increased spills from the dam have already caused moderate flooding along the Lachlan River at Cowra where river levels have peaked.
Weather warnings for ENTIRE COUNTRY as severe conditions continue
Satellite images reveal dramatic change after record dumping of rain
Flood warnings as 'severe weather system' to batter three states
SES responded to 120 calls for help
In the past 24 hours, the SES unit in Forbes has responded to 120 calls for help, mostly for sandbagging and leaking roofs.
Across the state, the SES responded to 320 calls for help in the past 24 hours, after high winds combined with rain caused widespread havoc, particularly in Sydney's Hills district, the Blue Mountains and the regional city of Wagga Wagga.
Major flooding is now expected to hit #Forbes on Tuesday morning, as opposed to tomorrow night. The Lachlan River at Forbes Iron Bridge is likely to reach 10.55m Tuesday morning and 10.65m early Wednesday morning, with flooding similar to the September 2016 event. pic.twitter.com/mtsIER59vl
— Xanthe Gregory (@xanthe_gregory) November 14, 2021
The Lachlan River at Cowra has reached 12.6 metres and is still rising. There is a low-lying bridge somewhere under all this water. pic.twitter.com/cAVmIxtRma
— Xanthe Gregory (@xanthe_gregory) November 13, 2021
"Residents should monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate when instructed to do so," SES spokeswoman Andrea Cantle said on Monday.
"The river height level at Nanami ... will determine the height level down at Forbes, which will determine how many people we will be possibly evacuating."
Major flooding is also expected at Cottons Weir and Jemalong from Monday.
with AAP
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
