NSW Flood Emergency is here to rain on your week, literally. If you were hoping for a calm few days, think again. Large parts of New South Wales are now dealing with flood warnings, rising rivers, and road closures that’ll make your commute feel like a wet adventure movie. Just without the popcorn.
Rain Rain Go Away… Nope, It’s Here to Stay
NSW Flood Emergency: The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting non-stop soaking across the Mid North Coast, Hunter, and Northern Tablelands. Rain totals have been absolutely ridiculous: up to 190mm in Taree Airport alone. That’s not a typo. That’s a floodplain trying to become a lake.
Oh, and the rivers? Yeah, they’re in full beast mode. The Paterson River peaked at 14 metres, comfortably beating its 2021 record. Meanwhile, the Williams River in Dungog also overshot its moderate flood level like it had something to prove.
NSW Flood Emergency Sparks Evacuation Drama
When the SES says “evacuate or risk getting stuck,” maybe take that seriously. They issued emergency alerts in places like Ferndale Caravan Park and parts of Dungog, and warned people to get out before the water turned their homes into aquariums.
And before you even think about driving through floodwater, the SES would like a word: Don’t. Just don’t. It’s not a game of Water world.
Transport? Cancelled. Roads? Flooded. Trains? LOL
NSW Flood Emergency : Want to go anywhere? Good luck. Trains are suspended. Buses are replacing them where they can, which is tricky since most roads are now rivers. Some of the closed roads include:
- Pacific Hwy at Jones Island
- Oxley Hwy at Long Flat
- Seaham Rd at Raymond Terrace
And don’t expect those cute coach replacements to help if you’re in Taree to Broadmeadow. Flooding said no.
School’s Out (and Not in a Fun Way)
Thirty-one state schools and four independent ones took a raincheck and shut their doors. Flooding has turned the school run into an Olympic swimming event.
Even Newcastle Airport had a dramatic moment, shutting all flights by 4pm Monday before bravely reopening Tuesday morning. Still, call your airline if you’re flying—preferably before heading into a floating parking lot.
Power Outages and Sheep Alerts
Over 4000 people are without power, and if that wasn’t enough, there’s a sheep grazier warning. Yes, that’s a real thing. Sheep need love too, especially when the fields become swamps.
Minister Jihad Dib has begged people not to be silly about this. “Don’t drive through floodwaters,” he said for the 847th time. Apparently, 24 flood rescues happened in just 24 hours because some folks still think their car can swim.
Let’s Wrap This Flood Party Up
So, to recap: the NSW Flood Emergency is real, it’s intense, and it’s not over. With up to 180mm of rain still possible and strong winds hanging around, we’re not out of the water yet—literally.
Stay indoors, avoid flooded roads, and please stop challenging nature to a duel. The flood always wins.
For help: Call SES on 132 500. For life-threatening stuff, dial triple-0. For everything else, maybe just stay dry and chill.
NSW Flood Emergency is no joke. But at least now you’re informed and entertained. Stay safe and smart out there!
