Fords Bridge Bywash and surrounds flooding - Do not enter floodwater
ISSUED
NEXT UPDATE
NSW State Emergency Service
Watch and Act
Do not enter floodwater
The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) NOT TO ENTER FLOODWATER due to current prolonged moderate flooding:
- Fords Bridge Bywash and low-lying areas
You should monitor the situation as it is constantly changing. Avoid floodwater for your safety.
What are we expecting?
The Bureau of Meteorology advises the Warrego River at Fords Bridge Bywash peaked at 3.05 metres around 10:45 am Tuesday 22 April and is currently at 3.00 metres and falling slowly, above the moderate flood level (2.30 m).
The Warrego River at Fords Bridge Bywash may remain above the moderate flood level (2.30 m) into next week.
Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:
- Lower Lila Road.
- Snake Gully Road remains closed between Gumbalie and Fords Bridge.
- Bourke-Milparinka Road is closed, 1km east of Snake Gully Road intersection at Gumbalie.
- Low-lying roads, bridges and causeways along the river and creeks.
- Unsealed roads may be closed.
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.
- Plan your route carefully to avoid flooded roads and allow extra travel time.
- Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
- Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines and rivers.
- 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 apply.
- Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare where possible.
- 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.
- People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise their assets, including waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights.
- If you are isolated and require resupply, contact NSW SES on 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