9m flood to arrive earlier

The Edward River at Deniliquin is still expected to rise another 70cm by next week.

The NSW State Emergency Service is urging flood weary communities to brace themselves for more severe weather.

A warning was issued Wednesday evening forecasting severe weather would develop over the far western inland and move across the state this weekend.

The renewed wet conditions are expected to worsen the current flood emergency across inland NSW.

It comes as increased inflows into the Murray River and Murrumbidgee River systems start to make their way to our district.

After slowly decreasing over the last week to under 8m, the Edward River at Deniliquin is now rising again.

At the time of going to print yesterday it was 8.34m, which was the peak of the last inflow surge at the end of October.

It is expected to keep increasing to at least 9m by November 14 to 16.

Earlier this week, the prediction was it would not reach 9m until November 19 or 20.

This heigh is just 20cm short of major flood level in Deniliquin.

The Bureau of Meteorology also advises the Murray River at Wakool Junction may reach near 11.9m by today, or throughout the weekend, with major flooding.

It may see low lying areas of Tooleybuc inundated.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey is encouraging flood impacted communities to remain alert and aware of any renewed flood risks.

“I understand this may be disheartening for many to hear, as after many months of flooding the thought of water levels going back up is hard to imagine,” he said.

“However, we need to prepare for this. If you know you may be affected, plan now and prepare your family.

“It is wise to have an Emergency Plan, which will help you action and prioritise what is important.

“This time is more important than ever as we see areas reach flood levels they haven’t seen in almost 70 years.

“Be reassured SES volunteers and our emergency service partners are out in the field preparing communities.”

Along the Murrumbidgee River, NSW SES is continuing to support residents of Narrandera and Hay where major flooding has occurred.

Many roads have been impacted and people are encouraged to check livetraffic.com.au and with local councils for information on any road closures.

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.