As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Coast, emergency services are continuing to urge residents to delay all non-essential travel at this time.
A coastal low is impacting the NSW coastline, particularly the Mid North Coast – with the system gradually moving south to the Hunter, Greater Sydney and Illawarra regions today and tomorrow (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2021).
Evacuation orders have been issued by the NSW State Emergency Service for low lying properties in these areas:
- Central Wingham and the Wingham Peninsular
- Taree Estate, Dumaresq Island and Cundletown
- Laurieton, North Haven, Dunbogan and Diamond Head
- Kings Point and Macksville
- Wauchope and Rawdon Island
- Bulahdelah
- Kempsey CBD
- Lower Macleay
- Port Macquarie
Detailed explanations of each evacuation order can be read on the NSW SES website: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
As a result, several evacuation centres have been set up to accommodate those impacted by floodwaters. These include:
- Wingham Golf Club, 30/32 Country Club Drive, Wingham
- Taree RSL and Golf Club, 121 Wingham Road, Taree
- The Laurieton United Services Club, 2 Seymour Street, Laurieton
- Kempsey Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
- Port Panthers, 1 Bay Street, Port Macquarie (access via Bago Road only)
- Bulahdelah Central School, 8 Meade Street (Church Street)
- Auditorium at Macksville High School, 40 Boundary Street, Macksville (access via Park Street)
- South West Rocks Country Club, 2 Sportmans Way, South West Rocks
The Pacific Highway remains closed in both directions between Coopernook and Glenthorne, while the northbound lanes are closed at Moorland between Hannam Vale Road and Jericho Road.
The Oxley Highway between Mount Seaview and Walcha remains closed in both directions following a landslide.
Several towns on the Mid North Coast have been isolated due to floodwaters across the roads. A number of localised road closures are in place, for the latest traffic information please visit www.livetraffic.com or www.myroadinfo.com.au.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), has been activated to support the severe weather operation.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.
Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating the severe weather and flooding. It will operate on a 24 hours basis until at least 5pm on Monday (22 March 2021).
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
It should be noted this inquiry hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).