Source: Bureau of Meteorology
for HEAVY RAINFALL, DAMAGING WINDS and LARGE HAILSTONES
For people in Northern Rivers and parts of Mid North Coast, Lower
Western, Upper Western and Northern Tablelands Forecast
Districts.
Issued at 5:08 pm Monday, 15 January 2024.
Heavy rainfall developing across parts of northern NSW, localised
severe storms out west.
Weather Situation: Persistent slow-moving showers and
thunderstorms have developed over the northeast. A localised risk
of severe storms is also present over inland western parts.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may
lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Northern
Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands
districts. Locations which may be affected include Lismore,
Grafton, Byron Bay, Ballina, Casino, Kyogle, Evans Head, Maclean
and Dorrigo.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may
lead to flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several
hours in parts of the Upper Western district. Locations which may
be affected include Goodooga, Weilmoringle, Enngonia, Barringun and
Fords Bridge.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may
lead to flash flooding, damaging winds and large hailstones over
the next several hours in parts of the Lower Western district.
Locations which may be affected include Wentworth.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and
balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects
that may be energised, such as fences.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour
Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093)
as shown on your power bill.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more
unstable and more likely to fall.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest
available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may
behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris
such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the
ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of
landslides.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets
indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape
may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and
ACT) on 132 500.
15/Jan/2024 06:16 AM