Grafton flood photos and update | Northern Rivers Weather | Local Weather Forecast for Northern Rivers

24th May 2009

THE township of Grafton and the surrounding areas of Ulmurra, Cowper, and Bushgrove in northern New South Wales remain underwater after the Clarence River peaked near 7.4 metres around 5.30am on Saturday, creating major flooding.

As a result - residents of Grafton and South Grafton were evacuated to Coffs Harbour, while those living in the Bushgrove and Maclean areas were bussed out to Ballina.

Catherine Moyle, a spokesperson for the SES says people can expect the river to remain at this major peak level on Monday, adding they're uncertain as to when residents can return to their homes, despite the evacuation order for the areas being lifted.

Ms Moyle adds that while some people in Grafton and South Grafton are able to return home; people who live in the Ulmurra and Bushgrove areas are unable to return due to the Pacific Highway being closed.

"Those who have stayed in their homes are still isolated by floodwaters," Ms Moyle said. "So the SES will focus on giving them supplies of food by boat."

People are also reminded to keep an eye on the SES website for updates, and if they need emergency assistance to call the SES on 132 500.


The Liberty service station on the Pacific Highway at South Grafton. Photo: George Holmes


Bunnings and Hungry Jacks are flooded in Iolanthe Street, South Grafton. Photo: George Holmes


View from the Crown Hotel, Grafton. Photo: David Bromell


The scene from the lookout at Mountain View, Grafton. Photo: David Bromell


Junction hill at Grafton. Photo: David Bromell


A view of Junction Hill from Martian Crescent, Grafton. Photo: David Bromell


Grafton flooding. Photo: Dennis O'Donnell


Photo: John O'Donnell

Debris laps at the shore. Photo: John O'Donnell

Photo: John O'Donnell

Photo: John O'Donnell


Photo: Dennis O'Donnell


Photo: Dennis O'Donnell


Photo: Dennis O'Donnell


The Grafton Rowing Club shed disappears under flood water. Photo: Dennis O'Donnell


McFarlane Bridge heading to the Lawrence Ferry in Maclean. Photo: Michael Jeffery


The showground in Maclean disappears under flood water. Photo: Michael Jeffery


Wherret Park in Maclean becomes a pond. Photo: Michael Jeffery

How is the wild weather affecting you? Send us photos via email at editorial@finda.com.au.

PHOTOS:

• Contributed flood photos from readers.
• View a gallery of flood images from across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
• For more images of floods around the Sunshine Coast, visit The Sunshine Coast Daily's flood gallery 1 and flood gallery 2.
• See photos of Grafton as evacuation is ordered.
• View flood photos from the first deluge in south-east Queensland.

Read more...

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Families evacuated, regions cut off

NSW flood information centre set up

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Mass evacuations forced in Tweed

Rain and floods force evacuations

Bligh declares SEQ flood disaster

Northern NSW prepares for floods

More wet weather to come for the Sunshine Coast

Person caught in flood waters

Flood water closes Bruce Highway

Qld, NSW in for a drenching: BOM

Emergency resources and weather updates:

• Check out the Bureau of Meteorology's live radar image.
• New South Wales SES news updates.
• Queensland SES news updates.
• Road closure information can be found on the Road and Traffic Authority, NSW (RTA) website and RACQ website.
• For emergency assistance in floods and storms, contact the SES on 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call 000.
• ThePublicInformation and Inquiry Centre is open to provide informationregardingdisplaced families, road closures, welfare assistance and allothergeneral inquiries. They can be contacted on 1800 227 228.

• Daily newspapers
• Bundaberg News-Mail
• Coffs Coast Advocate
• Fraser Coast Chronicle
• Gladstone Observer
• Grafton Daily Examiner
• Gympie Times
• Ipswich Queensland Times
• Lismore Northern Star
• Mackay Daily Mercury
• Rockhampton Morning Bulletin
• Sunshine Coast Daily
• Toowoomba Chronicle
• Tweed Daily News
• Warwick Daily News
• Community newspapers
• Ballina Shire Advocate
• Biloela Central Telegraph
• Byron Shire News
• Coolum & North Shore News
• East-Ipswich Satellite
• Emerald Central Queensland News
• Gatton Star
• Gold Coast Mail
• Ipswich Advertiser
• Logan Reporter
• Noosa News
• The Northern Rivers Echo
• Whitsunday Times
• Other publications
• Surat Basin News