Chaos as rain covers Tweed

A RFS helicopter crew landed at Lindisfarne Anglican School to deliver sandbags to flood-bound Terranora.

Contributed

FOUR days of heavy rain and localised flooding have caused chaos for road users and businesses across the Tweed Shire.

A massive dumping of more than 600mm of rain over that period had rivers rising, local streets flooding and emergency services on call to rescue trapped motorists.

And the impact of the rain event was still being felt yesterday, with water use heavily restricted while Tweed Shire Council attempted to get its water-pumping station back online.

Wednesday was the height of the flooding with more than 3000 people from Fingal, Tumbulgum and Murwillumbah South evacuated from their homes as the Tweed River reached a flood peak of almost five metres.

Caravan parks close to the Tweed River were particularly affected.

Evacuation centres were established at Kingscliff TAFE and St Joseph's Catholic Church hall in Murwillum- bah. Many others stayed with friends and family.

The Murwillumbah business district prepared for the worst, although most businesses survived unscathed.

Most of the region's Australia Day events were cancelled, including the major event planned at Tyalgum. Celebrations went ahead at Jack Evans Boat Harbour in Tweed Heads.

Thursday brought a break in the rain but by yesterday morning there were more heavy falls exceeding 100mm, before easing.

A renewed minor flood warning was issued for Chinderah for the high tide, while Tweed Valley Way remained closed at Tumbulgum, forcing locals to take back roads to travel between Murwillumbah and other parts of the shire.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast showers through to Monday, with rain returning on Tuesday and Wednesday. For latest flood and weather warnings visit www.bom.gov.au.