A MINOR flood warning has been issued for the Peel River in Tamworth after the water level rose rapidly on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued the alert on Tuesday afternoon confirming the Peel River near Bridge Street in the Tamworth CBD is expected to peak at 3 metres at 4pm on Tuesday.
Tamworth Regional Council's emergency management officer Murray Russell said crews had been keeping watch throughout the day on the Cockburn, Peel and Namoi valley areas.
"Council crews have been monitoring river and rainfall conditions throughout the day," he said.
"There are some road closures throughout the Tamworth area, and drivers are urged to obey road closed signs and don't drive through flooded roads."
READ ALSO:
It is understood a crew from the Tamworth branch of the State Emergency Service (SES) is on standby and will inspect the Peel River.
The BoM said further rises in the river level are possible.
"Moderate rainfall has been recorded in the parts of the Peel catchment during Sunday and Monday. Rainfall has eased since Tuesday morning," the warning said.
The Cockburn River surged overnight, bringing even more water gushing into the Peel River.
The flood warning marks the first flood alert issued for Tamworth since 2016.
It's been four years since the last flood warning was issued in Tamworth when Goonoo Goonoo Creek spilled its banks over Scott Road.
In that September flood, the Peel River also broke its banks and forced the closure of Jewry Street.
MINOR FLOOD WARNING
The BoM warned residents to ring the SES on 132 500 for emergency help, if needed and to never enter floodwater.
Flood Warning Number: 1
MINOR FLOODING IS EXPECTED AT TAMWORTH ON TUESDAY
Minor flooding of the Peel River at Tamworth is expected on Tuesday afternoon.
Moderate rainfall been recorded in the parts of the Peel catchment during Sunday and Monday. Rainfall has eased since Tuesday morning.
Peel River:
Minor flooding is expected along the Peel River at Tamworth.
The Peel River at Tamworth Road Bridge is expected to reach the minor flood level (3.00 m) around 04:00 pm Tuesday. Further rises are possible.
Flood Safety Advice:
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- * Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- * Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- * Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- * Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts visit the BoM website.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
