NSW:Flooding affects more areas in NSW

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2010
NSW:Flooding affects more areas in NSW

SYDNEY, Dec 27 AAP - Almost 20 properties have been evacuated in central western NSW,
with about 300 people expected to be cut off by rising floodwaters later in the day.

At Eugowra, the Mandagery Creek is expected to peak at 9.3 metres on Monday afternoon
- higher than the original peak of 9.05 metres about 1.30 (AEDT) on Monday morning.

State Emergency Services (SES) spokesman Phil Campbell has told AAP it's not known
yet when the evacuated people can return to their homes.

The SES has also warned that people in Urbanville in the state's northeast could be
isolated later on Monday.

Up to 300 people could be cut off, with their isolation lasting until the rain subsides.

There also are flood warnings in place for Lismore and Kyogle in the state's northeast.

Roads have been closed at Canowindra although there haven't been any evacuations.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is expecting more heavy rain on Monday from Lismore
to Tweed Heads. It's issued a warning of moderate to major flooding.

In the south, an evacuation warning has been issued for a small number of properties
in South Hay with the Murrumbidgee River expected to peak at 8.5 metres on Monday.

The levee at South Hay is only 9.0 metres at its lowest point and the SES says a safety
factor of 0.5 metres is necessary.

It says residents in Lang Street should prepare themselves for the unlikely but possible
occurrence of flooding above floor level.

It also warns that if this happens homes may become a refuge for vermin, snakes and spiders.

Meanwhile, on Lord Howe Island the BoM has warned that heavy rainfall and gale force
winds are expected as a low pressure system passes close to the island on Monday.

Rain and winds are expected to increase during the morning, with peak wind gusts exceeding
90km/h and possible localised flash flooding.

Other parts of NSW are still recovering from the worst flooding in decades, caused
by heavy rain through December.

There are 49 natural disaster zones currently declared by the NSW government.

AAP dmg/tr/jfm

KEYWORD: FLOODS NSW UPDATE

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.