Twelve people have been evacuated from their homes at Eugowra in central western New South Wales due to major flooding as warnings are issued around the state.
The State Emergency Service (SES) says 10 houses and businesses have been inundated with water from the Mandagery Creek, which peaked at just above nine metres early this morning.
The evacuation order has now been lifted and residents will be allowed to return to their homes when the floodwaters recede.
John McMahon from the Central West Region SES says the creek did not get as high as it did in major flooding a few weeks ago.
“So it didn’t quite reach that height as the other week, but it’s still very high now and there’s still a lot of water out at Eugowra and the road is still cut going across, through the town,” he said.
A major flood warning has also been issued for the Belubula River at nearby Canowindra, causing roads and bridges to be closed.
Dave Webber from the SES says crews are also watching the north-east parts of the state.
“Our main focus overnight has been the Richmond-Tweed area, where there’s predicted heavy rainfall,” he said.
Three people had to be rescued by police and SES crews after driving through flooded waters around Murwillumbah and the Tweed River.
Meanwhile more flooding is predicted in the state’s south west.
The Murrumbidgee River at Hay is expected to peak today at 8.5 metres.
David Webber says 12 properties in Hay have been told to prepare for evacuations.
“We have had reports that two properties in that area have been inundated with water and there’s some isolation there as well,” he said.
Farmers have already moved their stock and machinery after having about a month’s warning of the impending flood.
The SES says crews have responded to over 3,000 requests for assistance across the state in the past three weeks.
