After an almost record-breaking rainfall, Moree is staring down the barrel of its first major flood since 2012.
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NSW SES directed people within low-lying properties of Moree to evacuate the high danger area due to major flooding.
The Mehi River at Moree is predicted to peak at 10.4m at 9pm Wednesday night.
The areas affected by the Evacuation Order were low lying areas of Moree, including all properties:
- North of Iris Street;
- South of Dobbie Street and west of Edward Street;
- East of Frome Street;
- Warialda Street;
- Gosport Street;
- Morton Street;
- McElhone Street.
Residents were told to leave by 9pm Tuesday night.
The SES advice said once flood water begins to inundate the area, road access, water, sewerage, power, phones and internet could be lost.
Anyone who remained in that area would be trapped and it could become too dangerous for the SES to perform a rescue.
Residents must move to higher ground and wherever possible, people should stay with family or friends, or make other arrangements.
If unable to do so, an evacuation centre was set up at Moree PCYC on Boston Street.
People in low-lying properties should list possessions and important items above the predicted flood height and take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables, the SES said.
The SES also warned those residents to leave as early as possible to avoid restricted roads and share the warning with others.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500. In life-threatening situations call Triple zero (000) immediately.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted possible major flooding for low-lying properties in Moree.
As a result, residents and visitors have been asked by the SES to take action now in preparing for possible flooding.
Those in need of sandbags can call the SES on 132 500.
It's warned storms and floods may interrupt essential services such as electricity, phones, internet, water and sewerage.
People in these areas need to closely monitor weather and road closures.
If the situation continues to worsen, a Flood Evacuation Order will be issued by the NSW SES if evacuations are required.
ROAD CLOSURES
- Between Narrabri and the Queensland border - the Newell Highway is closed
- Between Moree and the Queensland border - the Carnarvon Highway is closed
- East of Moree at Biniguy - the Gwydir Highway is closed
In the meantime, MP Adam Marshall has been in talks with Emergency Services minister David Elliot to ensure there is enough emergency service assets, both local and from outside, at hand to support residents in Moree over the next few days.
Especially after the last flood, where he recognised residents' "did not feel supported" during their time of need.
Mr Marshall said major flooding was almost a certainty on Wednesday, and encouraged the community, especially those residents in low-lying areas, to be prepared for the possibility of evacuation.
"With the possibility the Mehi River at Moree could reach 10.4 metres by tomorrow evening, the community needs to be taking very seriously the situation which is in front of it," Mr Marshall said.
Moree has had 150mms by 9am on Tuesday, making it the wettest day overall since 1888 - over 133 years ago.
Mr Marshall stated Mr Elliot had confirmed a multi-agency response to this flood event.
NSW SES will be working in conjunction with NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service a Fire and Rescue NSW to keep residents safe.
"Extra SES, RFS and NSW Police resources have been dispatched to Moree, as well as some helicopters to ensure the community is secured, if the worst predictions come to pass," Mr Marshall assured.
"I'm a great believer in planning for the worst and hoping for the best and I'm glad these extra resources are being moved in now, ahead of the expected river peak."
Minor flooding is already reading occurring along the Mehi River in parts of Moree.
It looks destined to reach the 10 metre mark on Wednesday, with NSW SES is warning there could be a number of homes which experience water over the floor inundation.
Residents in need of sandbags should contact the SES on 132 500.
More warnings
Warnings are also in place for the Macintyre and Severn Rivers.
Moderate flooding of the Macintyre River at Inverell has the potential to occur overnight and into Wednesday.
The Macintyre River at the Yetman Bridge is likely to exceed the moderate flood level overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday.
At Ashford there are concerns the Severn River could exceed the major flood level of by Tuesday night.
"It is important as these river levels rise that residents do not drive through flood waters and stay up to date with the latest warnings from the BOM," Mr Marshall said.
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
- NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
- RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
- Latest River Heights and Rainfall
- Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northwest.shtml
- Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
- Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
- BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW