Minor flooding possible for Gongolgong, Mulgawarrina and surrounds

December 10, 2024 – The NSW SES advises people in the following areas to STAY INFORMED about predicted steady minor flooding on the Bogan River:

• Gongolgon and surrounds.
• Mulgawarrina and surrounds.

You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

What are we expecting?

The Bureau of Meteorology advises recent rainfall late last week has caused river rises across the Bogan catchment. Minor flooding is currently occuring at Mulgawarrina with the arrival of upstream flood waters.

Minor flooding is possible in Gongolgon with the arrival of upstream flood waters.

Minor flooding occurring along the Lower Bogan River.

No current river level observations are available at Mulgawarrina. However, minor flooding (4.20 m) is estimated to be easing at Mulgawarrina. The Bogan River at Mulgawarrina may fall below the minor flood level (4.20 m) during Tuesday December 10.

The Bogan River at Gongolgon is currently at 0.71 metres and rising slowly, below the minor flood level (0.80 m). The Bogan River at Gongolgon may reach the minor flood level (0.80 m) during Wednesday December 11.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:

• Arthur Hall VC Way may be affected
• Billybingbone Road may be affected
• Charlton Road may be affected
• Low lying bridges, roads and properties may be affected.
• Low lying farmland adjacent to the Bogan River may become inundated.
• Livestock, machinery and pumps in low lying areas may be affected.

What you need to do:

• If you have a Home and/or Business Emergency Plan, review it now. 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 flood water – 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.
• 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.

For more information:

• Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au
• Follow the SES on social media @NSWSES or visit their website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
• Learn about your risk at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/knowyourrisk
• Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/
• Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council

NSW SES flood advice for Gongolgon available HERE.

NSW SES flood advice for Mulgawarrina available HERE.

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