Floodwaters to ease on NSW north coast

Floodwaters that have isolated hundreds of residents on the NSW mid-north coast are expected to recede today, emergency services say.

Torrential rains between Kempsey and Coffs Harbour eased about 9pm (AEDT) yesterday after dumping up to 400mm in 24 hours in some areas. State Emergency Service (SES) spokesman Phil Campbell said the deluge had affected three river systems, leaving almost 1500 people isolated overnight yesterday. About 500 residents of rural properties along the Kalang River, west of Coffs Harbour, were cut off, while another 980 in Bowraville, near the Nambucca River, were also isolated.

Mr Campbell said access was expected to be restored to both regions today, with forecasters predicting favourable weather conditions. Fears of more flash flooding eased late yesterday when severe storms bypassed the troubled area, instead hitting the state's northwest rural region, he said. "All thunderstorm warnings have been cancelled, and the forecast is looking good for (Wednesday)," he said. "It looks like we won't be getting the torrential downpours of the last few days." The easing rain also meant all main roads into Bellingen, southwest of Coffs Harbour, which had been cut by a swollen Bellinger River, were reopened, Mr Campbell said.

But the effects of the downpour would be felt further north today, when flooding from the Orara River is likely to affect about 40 properties at Coutts Crossing, 18km south of Grafton, he said.

_{bron: Daily Telegraph} | Gewijzigd: 7 november 2009, 01:24 uur, door Bronk