283mm in Belongil rain gauge in 24 hrs & 225mm at Cape Byron

Published on 07 February 2020

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicts that rain will ease in the Northern Rivers this weekend.

With high tides expected over the weekend business and residents in flood-prone areas are asked to be prepared for possible minor flooding.

Parts of Byron Bay were flooded yesterday and today after heavy rain drenched the town over 24 hours to 9am this morning.

At Belongil 283mm was recorded while 275mm was in the gauge at Cape Byron.

The heavy rain, combined with elevated sea levels and heavy seas which prevented the escape of water in Belongil Creek, resulted in flooding in some areas, including businesses in the Byron Bay central business district (CBD).

“Byron Bay is a low-lying area and flooding is a problem during times of heavy and prolonged rain and high tides are not improving the situation,” he said.

Phil Warner, Acting Director Infrastructure Services, said staff responded to emergencies throughout the night on Thursday and Friday morning and will be on standby this weekend.

“Council staff were also in the CBD this afternoon talking to business owners who were affected by flooding.

“Drainage problems also contributed to the flooding problem and Council will be investigating this as part of its review of the incident,” he said.

Belongil and Tallow Creeks are both open to the ocean although the high tides have slowed the escape of water.

Weather

 For the latest flood and weather warnings, rainfall, river level information and forecasts go to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website – www.bom.gov.au.

SES

For help and information about storm and rain events go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au or call 132 500.

Road information

For information on road closures go to www.livetraffic.com or www.myroadinfo.com.au.

To report road closures or trees or obstacles on roads call Council on 6685 9300 or 6622 7022 (Emergency after hours).

For media enquiries call Annie Lewis, Media and Communciations Coordinator, on 6626 7320.