FLOOD OVERVIEW FRIDAY – WHAT WE EXPECT TODAY

Morning, and a quick overview here from SES information this morning and our sources across government and emergency services.

Windsor Bridge 9am Friday – thanks to Emma Jane Garrow for this one

We have been told by well placed sources that the Hawkesbury is soon to be classed as a Disaster Zone by the NSW government which would mean disaster payments of $1000 to each adult affected directly by the floods become available, and half that for children. More on this when we hear about it. Meanwhile though, the Greens this morning have said they want that $1000 doubled to $2000.

We are also told that authorities as a group – we’re talking state government, Bureau of Meteorology and Resilience NSW – are worried by two issues – a feeling they sense among some in the community that the worst is over, leading to some complacency out there, and also Sunday when heavy rain is expected once again both across the Hawkesbury and also in the catchment area.

We will keep an eye on those developments and of course the weather forecast can change, so we’ll see how that potential rain event works out.

North Richmond Bridge – yes it’s under there – at 8.15am Friday. Thanks to Janine Drury for the picture

Here’s the SES information:

MAJOR FLOODING CONTINUES AT NORTH RICHMOND

RIVER LEVELS AT WINDSOR PEAKED BELOW MARCH 2021 EVENT

The Hawkesbury River at North Richmond (WPS) peaked at 12.95 metres around 02:45 pm Thursday and is currently at 12.24 metres and falling, with major flooding.

Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology it is expected the following areas will be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:

· On the western side of the Hawkesbury River: o Some flooding along the river in low-lying portions at the back of properties along Terrace Road, North Richmond

o Some backwater flooding in Grose Wold along Steading Creek and Philip Charley Creek. Only low-lying portions at the back of rural properties may be affected.

· The North Richmond Bridge remains closed.

· The Yarramundi Bridge between Yarramundi and Agnes Banks is closed.

· Windsor Bridge is closed

The following roads will be affected by flooding: · Terrace Road, North Richmond, closed at Redbank Creek

What you need to do · Residents of areas expecting to be flooded should make plans to leave when advised to do so.

More as we get it…take care out there…

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