BOM Update

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

Major Flood Warning for the Gwydir and Mehi Rivers at Gravesend, Pallamallawa, Yarraman and Moree

Issued at 4:15 pm EDT on Sunday 23 October 2022 Flood Warning Number: 19

MAJOR FLOODING NEAR FEBRUARY 2012 FLOOD SEEN AT MOREE AND YARRAMAN LATE SUNDAY MORNING.

Moderate to heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday has caused major flooding across the Gwydir and Mehi River catchments.The main flood peak along the Gwydir River reached Moree and Yarraman late Sunday morning, where major flood peaks close to the February 2012 flood were observed.

Upstream at Gravesend, major flooding is slowly easing. River levels may remain steady into Monday or Tuesday at Pallamallawa, Moree and Yarraman, with easing flood levels likely to ease later in the week.

Flood operations are being conducted by WaterNSW at Copeton Dam. The dam releases will vary subject to inflow and downstream tributary flow rates. WaterNSW are working closely with the Bureau, NSW SES and landholders to plan release strategies.

Gwydir River downstream of Copeton Dam:

Major flooding is occurring along the Gwydir River at Gravesend and Yarraman Bridge. Pallamallawa is near the major flood level.

The Gwydir River at Gravesend Road Bridge peaked at 16.21 metres around 11:00 pm Friday night and is currently at 13.46 metres and steady, with major flooding. The Gwydir River at Gravesend Road Bridge is likely to remain above the major flood level (12.00 m) through to Sunday night.

The Gwydir River at Pallamallawa peaked at 10.56 metres around 10:30 am Saturday morning, with major flooding just above the level of the February 2012 flood (10.53 metres). The Gwydir River at Pallamallawa is likely to remain around the major flood level (10.40 m) into Monday.

The Gwydir River at Yarraman Bridge peaked at 7.53 metres around 11:15 am Sunday 23 October, at the February 2012 flood level (7.53 metres). The river level is currently at 7.52 metres and steady. The Gwydir River at Yarraman Bridge may remain around 7.50 metres into Tuesday.

Mehi River:

Major flooding is occurring along the Mehi River.

The Mehi River at Moree peaked at 10.50 metres around 11:00 am Sunday 23 October, just below the February 2012 flood level (10.53 metres). The river level is currently at 10.46 metres and falling slowly with major flooding. The Mehi River at Moree is expected to remain above the major flood level (8.80 m) into Tuesday

Flood Safety Advice:

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.

* Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place. * Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood. * Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains. * Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.

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

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 11:00 am EDT on Monday 24 October 2022.