Louth and surrounds flooding - Stay informed
ISSUED
NEXT UPDATE
NSW State Emergency Service
Advice
Stay informed
The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to STAY INFORMED about predicted rising minor flooding on the Darling River:
- Low lying areas of Louth and surrounds
You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.
What are we expecting?
The Bureau of Meteorology advises the Darling River at Louth is currently at 8.74 metres and rising, above the minor flood level (8.60 m).
The Darling River at Louth may exceed the moderate flood level (10.00 m) during the first week of May.
The river level may reach around 10.90 metres from about Tuesday May 6 to Friday May 9, with moderate flooding.
Higher levels are possible as upstream flows arrive. Peak predictions will be provided once a peak has been observed at Bourke.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:
- Bourke – Wilcannia Road may close between Louth and Tilpa.
- Low-lying roads, bridges and causeways along the river and creeks.
- Unsealed roads in the area may close.
What you need to do:
- If you have a Home or Business Emergency Plan, follow it. Otherwise, have a conversation and plan for what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
- Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures and water over roads and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel.
- Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
- Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater - it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it's flooded, forget it. Fines may apply.
- Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.
- People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise their assets, including waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights.
- Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare where possible.
- People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to relocate to higher ground.
- Farmers should consider moving pumps and farm equipment to higher ground.
- Companion animals and livestock should be relocated to higher ground that will not become an island.
- The safest option is to evacuate as early as possible to avoid additional hazards. Do not wait until the last minute.
- If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now.
- If you become isolated, notify NSW SES by calling 132 500
For more information:
- Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au
- Listen to 2WEB Outback Radio 585AM and ABC Radio 657AM
- Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones to get warning information for your areas.
- Follow us on social media @NSWSES or visit our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
- Learn about your risk at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/knowyourrisk
- Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/
- Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council.
- For information on temporary school closures in your area, check www.education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/school-operational-status
- If you are a primary producer and need assistance with livestock management, please call the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647
For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: media@ses.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 067 234