Initial Flood Warning Issued for the Hawkesbury and Colo Rivers – April 5
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a flood warning at 5:09 pm on Friday, 5 April 2024, indicating that major flooding is possible at North Richmond from Saturday morning.
The warning includes moderate flooding possible at Windsor and Colo River (Putty Road) from Saturday morning; Minor flooding likely at Sackville and possible at Lower Portland from Friday evening.
According to the Bureau, “Rainfall totals of up to 150 mm have been observed in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment since 9 am Thursday.”
“Further heavy rainfall is forecast through the catchment for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday. There is still uncertainty associated with the location and intensity of the heaviest falls.”
“A Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy to locally intense rainfall.”
“Minor flooding is likely along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo Rivers tonight (Friday). With the forecast rainfall, further river level rises and moderate to major flooding is possible from Saturday morning along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.”
The situation is being closely monitored, and warnings will be updated as required.
Hawkesbury River:
Major flooding may occur along the Hawkesbury River.
The Hawkesbury River at North Richmond (WPS) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (3.80 m) on Friday evening. The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (7.90 m) overnight Friday into Saturday and with forecast rainfall may reach the major flood level (10.50 m) Saturday morning.
The Hawkesbury River at Windsor (WPS) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.80 m) overnight Friday into Saturday. With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach the moderate flood level (7.00 m) on Saturday morning.
The Hawkesbury River at Sackville is likely to reach the minor flood level (4.60 m) Saturday morning.
The Hawkesbury River at Lower Portland may reach the minor flood level (4.60 m) Saturday morning.
Colo River:
Moderate flooding may occur along the Colo River.
The Colo River at Putty Road is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.70 m) overnight Friday into Saturday. The river level may reach the moderate flood level (5.70 m) Saturday morning.
Macdonald River:
River levels are elevated.
The NSW SES Hawkesbury Unit shares what residents can do during this turbulent weather:
Consider your circumstances if roads, vehicle ferries and bridges close and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel. Farmers and Turf Growers should consider moving their pumps and farm machinery to higher ground. Horses and livestock should be relocated from low-lying paddocks. 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. Fines may apply. Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers. Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours. Check on your neighbours.
Download the Hazards Near Me app Listen to your local ABC radio station Follow us on Facebook at /NSWSES or our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au Go to latest Weather and Warnings at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/ For the latest Rainfall and River heights visit For road closures visit Road Closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or Hawkesbury City Council Disaster and Emergency Dashboard There are live cameras at Yarramundi Bridge, North Richmond Bridge, Windsor Bridge, Cattai Bridge and Sackville Ferry available on https://www.livetraffic.com
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.
