Rain, rain, rain - stay off the roads

Published on 21 March 2021

People are warned to be vigilant if driving and to stay at home if they can with some creeks and waterways in the Byron Shire flooded and roads cut.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe weather warning for heavy rain for the coast stretching from Wollongong north to the Queensland border. 

A flood watch has also been issued for many catchments including the Brunswick River and Marshalls Creek.

Heavy rain this morning (21 March 2021), on top of a wet catchment and constant rain for more than a week, has seen localised flooding in areas including Byron Bay, Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores and South Golden Beach.

Council staff are responding as quickly as possible to emergencies relating to roads, sewer and drainage.  People who need help with floods, including sand bags, should call the SES on 132 500.

“Under no circumstances should people drive through flood waters – it is just not worth the risk,” Infrastructure Services Director, Phil Holloway, said.

“It is impossible to judge how fast the water is travelling or if there is debris under the water, or damage to the road surface,” Mr Holloway said.

“People should also take into account that the predictions are that this sort of weather will continue for the next several days,” he said.

To report problems with roads, sewer and drains call Council’s emergency after-hours number – 02 6622 7022.

For emergencies relating to flooding, storms and rain call the SES on 132 500.

To get access to the latest information on roads updates from the SES and BOM, including Facebook feeds, go to the Byron Shire Emergency Dashboard – https://emergency.byron.nsw.gov.au/.