Posted inEmergency management, Local News, Weather

Wide spread flood warnings across the New England (Updated)

blankby New England Times News Desk

UPDATE 5.15pm 3/8/25
The NSW SES has updated and issued more flood warnings for the region, adding Boggabilla, Pallamallawa, Yarraman, Woolomin and Piallamore, to Ashford, Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, and Gravesend, on the list of communities expected to experience flooding in coming days.

With the change in the weather systems movements over the last 24 hours, the warning for the Severn River at Ashford and the Peel River at Tamworth have been down graded to minor flooding, while the warning for the Gwydir River has been upgraded to potential major flooding from Yarraman to Gravesend.

The Severe Weather warning for Guyra to Tenterfield also remains in place, with 50ml or more of rain expected to fall in a line from Stanthorpe to Glen Innes to Armidale tomorrow (Sunday). 

Many communities are facing heavy rain and damaging wind as the very slow moving ex-tropical cyclone Alfred continues to bucket down rain on a huge area. Several rivers across northern NSW face a risk of rapid and dangerous rises as the aftermath tracks west of Brisbane towards Moree and Narrabri.

Farmers are advised to lift irrigation equipment and move livestock ahead of predicted flooding in the coming days.

NSW SES has issued a ‘Stay informed’ advice for:

  • minor to major flooding on the Gwydir River at Gravesend and surrounds including the Horton River communities, through Pallamallawa to the Yarraman Bridge north of Moree
  • minor flooding on the Severn River downstream of Pindari Dam, affecting Ashford and surrounding areas
  • minor to moderate flooding on the Namoi River River downstream of Keepit Dam, affecting Gunnedah and surrounding areas
  • minor to moderate flooding on the Namoi River at Narrabri and surrounding areas
  • minor flooding on the Peel River downstream of Chaffey Dam affecting Tamworth and surrounding areas, including Woolomin and Piallamore
  • minor flooding on the Severn River downstream of Pindari Dam, affecting Ashford and surrounding areas
  • minor flooding on the Macintyre River at Boggabilla and surrounding areas

The Bureau of Meteorology advises Rainfall associated with Tropical Cyclone Alfred is likely to cause rapid and dangerous river rises and extensive minor to moderate flooding in the North West of NSW during the weekend and into early next week. 

Rainfall may extend inland during Sunday into early next week and may result in minor to major flooding in the North West and Central West Catchments from Sunday. 

There is a chance that the flood watch area may expand further over the coming days as certainty develops about the movement of the system into the new week. 

The location of the heaviest rainfall and most severe flooding will depend on the track of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The recent slower movement of TC Alfred is likely to delay the onset of the heaviest rainfall, with heavy and locally intense rainfall forecast to increase Friday night and into the weekend over Northern NSW. 

The heaviest rainfall will be south of the Tropical Cyclone track. 

What you need to do: 

  • If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now. People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to relocate to higher ground. 
  • Farmers should consider moving pumps and farm equipment to higher ground. Companion animals and livestock should be relocated to higher ground that will not become an island. 
  • If you have a Home or Business Emergency Plan, follow it. Otherwise, have a conversation and plan for what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
  • Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures and water over roads and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel. 
  • Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services. Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater – it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it’s flooded, forget it. Fines may apply. 
  • Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers. 
  • People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise their assets, including waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights. 
  • Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare where possible. 

For more information:

For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).