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Expect similar flooding to April 1988, say SES as waters continue to rise
Buttsworth Creek, Wilberforce a short while ago
Here’s the Hawkesbury SES statement just out at 10.45am Sunday. Sobering reading. Main points are heavy flooding expected as Warragamba Dam continues to spill, and major flooding already occurring at North Richmond.
There have been evacuations of people and animals in low-lying areas across the Hawkesbury, and flood levels are continuing to rise.
Here’s what the SES say:
Major flooding is occurring along the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond where the river level is rising.
Flooding is likely to be higher than experienced in the February 2020 flood event and may reach similar levels to the April 1988 flood event along the Hawkesbury River.
Major flooding is also possible at Penrith, Windsor, Sackville, Lower Portland and Wisemans Ferry from late Sunday.
Heavy rainfall has been observed across the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley during Saturday and Sunday. This heavy rainfall over the catchment has resulted in river level rises observed upstream of Warragamba Dam, which has reached full capacity. Warragamba Dam commenced spilling around 3 pm Saturday.
Further heavy rainfall is forecast for Sunday and early next week. This rainfall may cause further rises.
Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River:
Major flooding is occurring along the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond. Moderate flooding is occurring at Penrith and Windsor. Minor flooding is occurring at Sackville.
The Hawkesbury River at North Richmond (WPS) may reach around 14.40 metres overnight Sunday into Monday with major flooding. This level is similar to the April 1988 event. Further rises are possible.
The Hawkesbury River at Windsor (WPS) is likely to exceed the major flood level (12.20 m) Sunday evening. The river level may reach around 12.80 metres Monday morning with major flooding. This level is similar to the April 1988 event. Further rises are possible.
The Hawkesbury River at Sackville is likely to reach the moderate flood level (7.30 m) overnight Sunday into Monday. The river level may reach around 8.50 metres Monday morning with moderate flooding. This level is similar to the April 1988 event. Further rises to the major flood level are possible.
The Hawkesbury River at Lower Portland is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.60 m) Sunday afternoon.
The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (6.10 m) Sunday evening and may reach around 6.40 metres Monday afternoon with moderate flooding. This level is higher than the April 1988 event. Further rises to the major flood level are possible.
The Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry may exceed the moderate flood level (3.50 m) Monday morning. The river level may reach around 4.00 metres Monday evening with major flooding. This level is higher than the April 1988 event. Further rises to the major flood level are possible.
Colo River:
Major flooding is possible along the Colo River. Moderate flooding is current along the Colo River.
The Colo River at Putty Road may reach the major flood level (10.70 m) Sunday evening. Further rises are possible.
Flood Warning Number 12 is available from http://www.bom.gov.au/…/nepean-hawkesburyrivers.shtml
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