Northern Rivers swamped by overnight rain
EMERGENCY services have warned people not to drive through water after close calls this morning at Kyogle, Uki and Murwillumbah.
A man was trapped in his car surrounded by water at Kyogle while another two people were trapped in a vehicle at a flooded causeway near Murwillumbah and another is believed to have escaped a vehicle trapped in floodwaters at Uki.
Flooding has occurred in Mullumbimby and Billinudgel overnight with the region preparing for worse today.
The Brunswick River peaked at 3.19 metres at Mullumbimby's Federation Bridge about 4am this morning, causing flooding, while Billinudgel peaked at 2.6 metres at about 7am and also flooded.
Heavy rain will continue throughout today which may cause renewed river level rises, according to State Emergency Services.
Bangalow Road, Bruxner Highway and the Pacific Highway remain open but authorities have advised motorists situations could change quickly and to take extreme care as there are large pools of across road surfaces.
Many smaller roads across the region are closed including Eltham Road, Dalwood Road at Gum Tree Weir, Pearces Creek Hall Road, Friday Hut Road at Kirklands Crossing, Goonengerry Road, Grays Lane, Houghlahans Creek Road, Lindendale Road at Marom Creek and Main Arm Road near Mullumbimby.
The Old Tweed Road, Tweed Valley Way, Pottsville Road and Queensland Road in the Tweed Shire are closed.
For a full list of road closures and warnings go to www.myroadinfo.com.au
Flood warnings have been issued for the Richmond and Wilsons, Tweed and Clarence rivers.
Emergency services have warned people to prepare for heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds, as ex-tropical cyclone Oswald moves across the Northern Rivers.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted rainfall of around 100-150mm across the Northern Rivers with some areas expected to receive up to 250mm throughout the day.
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au and for emergency assistance call the SES on 132 500.
