THE Bureau of Meteorology has issued a minor to moderate warning for the Gwydir River

at Gravesend, Pallamallawa and Yarraman after heavy overnight rain in the local region and catchment areas.

The bureau says moderate to heavy rainfall since Tuesday evening has the potential to cause moderate flooding at Yarraman overnight Wednesday and is likely to cause minor flooding at Gravesend, Pallamallawa, and Yarraman from early Wednesday afternoon.

Further moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the remainder of Wednesday.

Up to 8am, Wednesday, there’s been reports of between 50mm and 75mm across Moree and District.

Gwydir River downstream of Copeton Dam:

Moderate flooding is possible along the Gwydir River downstream of Copeton Dam.

At 8am, Wednesday, the Gwydir River at Gravesend Road Bridge was 2.33m and steady, below the 6.1m minor flood level.

The Gwydir River at Gravesend Road Bridge is likely to reach the minor flood level from early Wednesday afternoon. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

The Gwydir River at Pallamallawa at 8am was 1.86m and steady, below the 6m minor flood level.

The Gwydir River at Pallamallawa is likely to reach the 6m minor flood level from Wednesday evening. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.

The Gwydir River at Yarraman Bridge at 8am was 1.75m and steady, below the 4m minor flood level.

The Gwydir River at Yarraman Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.00 m) from early Wednesday afternoon.

The river level may reach the 6.5m moderate flood level overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

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; or

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

IF IT’S FLOODED, FORGET IT!