Floodwaters working their way down the Namoi

Moderate to heavy rainfall since Friday has caused river level rises across the Namoi River catchments.

Floodwaters were expected to cause major flooding at Wee Waa from Tuesday. Minor flooding is occurring at Boggabri and is likely at Narrabri, the Bureau of Meteorology reports.

“Major flooding is possible along the Namoi River at Gunnedah and Wee Waa. Minor flooding is likely at Narrabri and Bugilbone. The Namoi River at Boggabri may reach near 7.60 metres during Tuesday, with minor flooding,” the BOM reported yesterday.

“The Narrabri Creek at Narrabri was expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.90 metres) overnight Monday into Tuesday.

“The river level may reach near 5.60 metres around Thursday, with minor flooding. Further rises are possible.

“The Namoi River at Wee Waa (Glencoe) was likely to exceed the moderate flood level (6.40 m) overnight Monday into Tuesday and may reach the major flood level (6.70 m) from Tuesday afternoon. Further rises are possible.

“Renewed rises are likely. The Namoi River at Bugilbone may reach around 5.20 metres late this week, with minor flooding.”

The warnings of heavy rain across the region over the past week were realised, with some sectors receiving big falls.

Emergency services authorities ensured that the communities in the areas under threat were aware that there could be serious flooding following expected torrential rains.

In Narrabri, the Narrabri Creek rose and the Violet Street low level bridge was again closed on Monday ahead of the anticipated rise.

The massive falls predicted for the weekend were averted.

Following the predictions there was uncertainty about some fixtures – but Maules Creek centenary organisers made the right call and went ahead with their event.

Over the past seven days the heaviest falls have been recorded by the Narrabri Shire Weather Station Network at Mt Dowe, 71.6mm, with falls of up to 56mm and many in the high 40s across the shire.

Narrabri Airport recorded 46.8mm, 56.8 at the wheat research institute, Wee Waa Airport recorded 56.6mm and Merah North 56.9mm.