The Peel River at the Tamworth Main Road Bridge peaked at 8am Saturday 29 November at 6.0 metres with major flooding. Floodwaters have since fallen slowly. Low lying farmlands and roads remain affected by floodwater and the SES is continuing to monitor river levels and provide assistance where required.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that the Namoi River at Manilla will peak near 6.3 metres early Sunday morning with minor flooding. At this height, water begins to affect low lying houses on north and west side of the river. Back lanes and drives will close in numerous locations. Main roads will remain open and alternate routes are available. The SES is intending to doorknock affected properties in Manilla but no evacuations are expected at the predicted height.
In Gunnedah minor flooding (7.3 metres) will develop from 9pm Saturday evening 29 November, with the Namoi River at Gunnedah expected to peak near 7.8 metres around noon Sunday 30 November with moderate flooding. At 7.3 metres the Namoi River usually flows across the road at the Pig Hole and may close the road at short notice. At 7.32 metres the Gunnedah to Kelvin Road is closed at Cohens Bridge to all but high clearance vehicles.
At 7.5 metres access to Bluevale road is lost, cutting access to the Gunnedah Airport from Gunnedah. Between this height and 7.8 metres water surrounds six houses on Talibah Flat and the yards of several houses in Chandos, Maitland and Little Condalilly Street. No evacuations are required.
In Wee Waa a peak near 6.4 metres is expected to develop Tuesday afternoon 2 December with moderate flooding. As the flood peak moves downstream of Tamworth low-lying rural roads and farmland will become affected by floodwaters. The SES recommends that rural property owners likely to be isolated stock up on essential items including fuel, food and medicines.
The 7 people rescued from floodwaters in Tamworth on Friday 28 November all deliberately entered floodwaters. The SES urges you not to drive, ride or walk through floodwater as it may be deeper or faster flowing than it looks, contain washed out sections of roadway and hidden snags and debris.
If you require emergency assistance as the result of flood activity, contact your nearest SES unit by calling 132 500.
