Narrabri and Wee Waa were preparing for the impact of major flooding yesterday as a large volume of water continues to make its way down the Namoi River.
It follows major flooding recorded upstream in Gunnedah earlier this week.
The State Emergency Service positioned assets in Narrabri and Wee Waa earlier this week ready to respond to the unfolding flood emergency.
The Narrabri Creek was expected to reach around 6.7 metres, the major flood level, by yesterday afternoon and could reach 7.1 metres late in the evening, the SES advised.
At the time of The Courier going to press yesterday afternoon, the Narrabri Creek gauge was at 6.9 metres.
By yesterday morning, evacuation alerts had been issued for areas near the Narrabri Creek, particularly the caravan park, parts of the Narrabri industrial estate and land surrounding Saleyards Lane and Namoi Street, and areas near Horsearm Creek.
Watch and act alerts were put in place for additional areas near the Narrabri Creek, including parts of areas around Selina Street, Beatrice Street, Jenkins Street, Arnold Street, Cameron Park, Peele Street and Huxley Street, however, these were also later upgraded to emergency warnings with people in these areas urged to evacuate while safe to do so.
In a situation update yesterday afternoon, NSW SES deputy incident controller Joshua Clark said there had been increased and rapid rises in the Narrabri Creek.
“Over the last 48 hours we’ve had warning products out for advice and watch and act,” Mr Clark said yesterday afternoon.
“We’ve now escalated to an emergency warning evacuate now for low lying areas around Narrabri.”
Mr Clark encouraged people to listen to the messaging provided by the SES and follow the direction from emergency services on the ground.
“If you require the assistance of the NSW State Emergency Service during this time please contact us on 132 500. If it’s life threatening, 000.”
For the latest information on what is happening during the flood, people have been encouraged to download the Hazards Near Me app.
NSW SES acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman also urged people to follow the direction of emergency services.
“Floodwater can rise faster than expected and cut off roads, leaving people isolated or in danger,” acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
“Even though the skies are clear in many areas, we are still seeing significant flooding across the Northern Tablelands. Communities should continue to follow warnings and directions from emergency services, as water levels will remain high in some locations for several days.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said the focus for the coming days will remain on resupply, community support and recovery as floodwaters continue to affect properties and rural roads.
“The NSW SES is reminding people to never enter floodwater. Stop, turn around and find another way and stay informed by using the Hazards Near Me app or visiting the NSW SES website for the latest warnings and updates.”
Downstream in Wee Waa, flooding was expected to reach the town yesterday evening. A watch and act warning was in place and residents have been urged not to enter floodwaters.
At the time of going to print, Wee Waa residents were preparing for isolation due to floodwaters.
“People are starting to get organised and get food,” said SES commander Jennie Fox.
“The front road into Wee Waa from Narrabri was closed this morning at Spring Creek,” she told The Courier on Wednesday.
“The Lagoon /Yarrie Lake Road is not closed at the moment but it’s anticipated it will be in the next 24-48 hours.
“People in Wee Waa know what it’s like to be isolated, this will be the second time this year.
“This one is a river flood, it’s coming fast.
“We just remind the community to stay calm, if the road is flooded, forget it and if they need assistance from the SES ring 132 500.”
Member for Barwon Roy Butler issued a statement on his social media pages about Wee Waa Health arrangements during flood isolation.
“Extended Care Paramedics are being deployed to Wee Waa as requested to support through until Sunday 10th,” said the statement.
“I have asked for 24/7 coverage and staffing availability is being worked through at present.
All pregnant mothers have plans in place.
“Two mothers have been moved already, firm plans are in place for all others on the cusp of birthing.”
There are impacts for school students and staff too. Forest Coach Lines said on Thursday, all Wee Waa services will be restricted to operating within the levee bank.
Narrabri school and town services were also non-operational on Thursday.
As the flood situation has worsened, roads have closed throughout the district with the Kamilaroi Highway closed between Narrabri and Wee Waa. The Kamilaroi Highway had also closed between Boggabri and Gunnedah.
For the latest flood information, please visit the SES website or ensure you have the Hazards Near Me app on your smartphone.
