UPDATE (4.40pm):
Despite the SES warning of possible minor to moderate flooding in Inverell – which could affect some businesses in the CBD – during late business hours today it appeared many weren’t too concerned.
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Workers in the main street reported seeing business as usual but that their workplaces would probably put up their flood gates after closing the doors.
One woman, who didn’t wish to be named, said Inverell quite often had flood warnings and although people were alert, they weren’t yet alarmed.
Inverell SES unit flood intelligence officer David Jones said he was aware of local supermarkets enacting their flood preparation plans, but “at this stage we’re not expecting something over the bank (of the Macintyre River)”.
“It really depends if we get the rain that the weather bureau still maintains that we might get – it could change everything – but at the moment we haven’t had much rain.”
The SES unit reported that no roads had been closed yet, but there was water over some and people needed to drive with caution.
“At this point we are expecting possible minor flooding that shouldn't affect the CBD; however, preparedness to lift stock etc is certainly advisable,” the unit said.
“If the weather becomes heavier than initial expectations then this could certainly change.”
EARLIER:
A SATURATED Inverell is in a “heightened state of readiness” as emergency services, businesses and individuals prepare for possible flooding in the wake of ex-tropical cyclone Debbie.
As rain continues to fall since starting early this morning, the State Emergency Services have issued a flood watch, a Rural Fire Service chopper has been brought in to help with any rescues, and there are even reports of people sandbagging against run-off.
Namoi North West region controller Andrew Galvin said the SES was acting on possible rainfall figures of 50-100mm in the 24 hours to 9am tomorrow.
“Certainly there’s a flood watch current for the Macintyre (River) for minor to moderate flooding,” he said.
“At the lower level of that, it has consequences for lower-lying areas like Inverell Caravan Park near the (Tingha Rd) bridge; if it gets to the upper end of those estimates, it could inundate parts of the CBD …
“We’re in a heightened state of readiness and making sure the community is aware of that risk.
“The rain will be gone, we’d expect, by tomorrow morning and we’re just asking people for the next 24 hours to be vigilant.”
Mr Galvin said the RFS chopper was standing by because it was “quite probable” some people living north of Inverell, especially around Ashford, would be cut off by flooding.
“It’s twofold: it allows emergency access to anyone isolated and it obviously assists – in clearer weather – should there be any need for flood rescue.”
Mr Galvin expected the “test” of preparedness – and people’s common sense – would come this afternoon, particularly if the rain continued and roads went underwater.
“The test will come this afternoon as the rainfall totals accumulate and people decide to knock off work and head home – that’ll be the challenging period, on dark,” he said.
“There are no road closures yet, but we fully expect road closures around Ashford and lower-lying roads near rivers…
“We hope the message (about not entering floodwaters) is getting though and we don’t have too many concerns or incidents occur in that regard, but there’s always a risk because sometimes people underestimate what’s involved and they do take the risk.”