Time to get out

POLICE have closed off access to Grafton as residents begin evacuating the city.

As rain continues to fall police road blocks are vetting anyone entering the city, only allowing bona fide residents access to their homes.

Around 2pm the SES made an order for residents in Grafton and South Grafton to get out ASAP as the Clarence River threatened to overtop levee banks.

The SES predicted the Clarence River will peak at 7.8m by  midnight.

This is higher than the 2001 flood that came within 100mm of breaking into the city.

Earlier in the day the SES ordered residents of Ulmarra and Brushgrove to leave their homes, putting into practice personal and business evacuation plans.

Evacuees were told to go to Ballina rather than Grafton.

The Premier of NSW, Nathan Rees, has declared the Northern Rivers area, including the Clarence Valley a natural disaster area.

Mr Rees said on Friday his government was ready to provide for the communities, after the region was hit with torrential rain and strong winds.

“The declaration will provide for a range of assistance to cover personal hardship and distress as well as funding for those who have suffered property damage, including residents, councils, business owners and primary producers,” he said.

The Daily Examiner will make every effort to distribute papers to all its normal outlets tomorrow.

If you have any flood photos you can email them to photo@dailyexaminer.com.au





Photos from Grafton resident Finbah Neill.







Photos from The Daily Examiner.

How has the wild weather affected you? Tell us your story below or send us photos via email at editorial@finda.com.au.

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Check out the Bureau of Meteorology's live radar image.