The Bureau of Mereology has warned the weather event could be similar to the devastating September 2016 floods in Forbes, in the Central West region of New South Wales.
Thousands of residents in the Central West region of New South Wales have been told to prepare to evacuate after heavy rainfall led to flooding in the area.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) issued the warning to Forbes residents living along the Lachlan River on Monday morning.
“As a result of the flood level predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Lachlan River at Forbes, with possible major flooding (10.55m) on Tuesday and (10.65m) Wednesday morning, similar to the September 2016 flood event, residents below should prepare to evacuate within the next 30 hours,” the SES warned.
“If you are in Forbes your best opportunity is to start preparing your home or business and make arrangements to move to safety before flooding starts affecting you.”
@NSWSES has issued an Evacuation Warning for parts of #Forbes. People should check details now https://t.co/hicA0uUyTw The #flood situation is continuing to develop in several communities, keep watch https://t.co/eXvgzlsGoa@nswpolice
The emergency service said the situation “is likely to change and it can escalate quickly” and urged locals to monitor the weather event on the NSW SES and Bureau of Meteorology websites.
The Bureau said recent heavy rainfall has caused significant rises to river levels along the upper Lachlan River and its tributaries.
“Flood waters combined with increased spills from Wyangala Dam have caused moderate flooding along the Lachlan River at Cowra where river levels have peaked,” the Bureau said in a flood warning.
“Flood waters from Cowra combined with flood waters from the Belubula River have caused major flooding at Nanami where river levels are likely to peak on Monday afternoon.
“The magnitude of the current flood at Nanami and Forbes may be similar to the September 2016 flood.”
Lachlan River at #Cowra is at moderate flood level.@CowraCouncil Mayor Bill West told me several roads are closed in the Shire & caravans at #Cowra Van Park have been moved to higher ground.
Please do not drive through floodwater.
Follow @NSWSES & @BOM_NSW for latest info. pic.twitter.com/AqLU5L4IEl
âš ï¸Moderate to Major #Flood Warning updated for the #LachlanRiver. Flooding similar to Sep 16 event possible at #Forbes. Major flooding occurring at #Nanami. See https://t.co/AdztI2rqg1 for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloods pic.twitter.com/tL0a79M9Mh
The devastating flooding event in 2016 claimed the life of one person and the damage to farms and businesses cost more than $500 million.
There were more than 2,650 requests for assistance and 105 flood rescues in NSW during September 2016.
Evacuations were ordered in parts of Ungarie and Forbes and impacted almost 1,200 residents across 350 properties.
The floodwaters damaged more than 100 properties.
Now hitting major flood level of 10.7m on Lachlan River here at Eugowra and still plenty of water upstream to get here yet. Will be a day of waiting to see how high it gets but definitely looks like higher than 2016 level. This paddock was good pasture fattening 90 yearlings. pic.twitter.com/NpIYMl2sIM
The Iron Bridge flood gauge on the Lachlan River at #Forbes is at eight metres. It’s expected to reach at least 10.55m on Tuesday morning. I’d be under water from where I’m standing! pic.twitter.com/20Mv26DUDY
NSW SES on Monday said a flood evacuation order will be issued if required.
Where to go if evacuation is required:
Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements.
If you are unable to, a walk-through evacuation centre will be set up at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 11 Harold Street, Forbes from 10am to 6pm commencing Monday November 15 2021.
NSW SES expects that some properties in the following areas may become flood affected:
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