Willara Crossing and Wanaaring flooding - Stay informed
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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 Paroo River:
- Willara Crossing
- Wanaaring
- Low-lying areas adjacent to the river
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 minor flooding is occurring at Willara Crossing, and possible at Wanaaring.
The Paroo River at Wanaaring was 2.28 m at 16:51 on Thursday and steady, below the minor flood level. The Paroo River at Wanaaring may reach around the minor flood level (2.40 m) Friday evening. The river may remain around the minor flood level (2.40 m) over the weekend. Further rises are possible as upstream flows arrive.
The Paroo River at Willara Crossing is currently at 1.40 m and steady, with minor flooding. The Paroo River at Willara Crossing is likely to reach around 1.50 m during Saturday, with minor flooding. Further rises are possible with forecast rain.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:
- Willara Crossing
- Roads in the vicinity of Wanaaring
- Low-lying farmland, roads, bridges and causeways along the river and creeks.
What you need to do:
- Check your whole journey before attempting to travel. With rapid, intense rainfall, creeks and waterways can rise quickly, leaving you trapped or in other dangerous situations.
- 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.
- Farmers should consider moving pumps and farm equipment to higher ground.
- Livestock and machinery on low-lying river flats may also need to be relocated.
- Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.
- 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.
- 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.
- If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now.
- People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to relocate to higher ground.
For more information:
- Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au
- Listen to Outback Radio 2WEB
- 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 Bureau of Meteorology
- Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council.
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: [email protected] or call 1800 067 234