The SES says that continued rises in river levels across the Hawkesbury Nepean area has resulted in the closure of some bridges and ferries, with further closures expected this weekend.
The 10am SES update has confirmed the closure of the Yarramundi Bridge at Richmond is now closed to traffic and the Sackville Ferry has ceased operation.
The Richmond and Windsor Bridges are expected to be closed by floodwater later today or tomorrow based on forecast rain.
As of 10.07am a Gazette reporter at the North Richmond bridge confirm that it is still open for traffic but the river is still rising.
The reporter said traffic is building as people try to get over the bridge before it shuts and large crowds of onlookers are gathering.
Other closures expected over the weekend include:
- The Lower Portland Ferry
- The Webb’s Creek Ferry
- The ferry at Wiseman’s Ferry
A Flood Watch which has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for moderate flooding is current for the catchment based on forecast rain for the next 48 hours.
The NSW SES is advising residents to contact Live Traffic RTA on 132 701 for further information.
Flood Evacuation Orders have been issued for areas around Pitt Town Bottoms, Richmond Lowlands and Grono Point as well as caravan parks in low lying areas along the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Wisemans Ferry. Residents in these areas are being instructed to leave immediately.
The NSW SES is advising people to go to the house of a friend or relative in the first instance. Alternatively evacuation centres are set up in the following areas:
- Windsor Baptist Church, Corner Blacktown Road and George Street South Windsor.
- North Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, William Street North Richmond.
- Glenorie RSL Club, Corner Post Office and Old Northern Roads, Glenorie.
The NSW SES is monitoring the situation and advises:
- People working, living or camping near rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and listen to the radio for updates and advice.
- Farmers and other landholders should keep a watch on their streams and be prepared to move pumps, equipment and livestock to higher ground. Please ensure adequate feed is available.
- Don’t drive, ride or walk in floodwater. Water may be over low lying causeways.
- FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
Also stay following the Hawkesbury Gazette website and facebook page, by logging onto facebook, searching for The Hawkesbury Gazette and hitting "like" to put us in your news feed.
More updates as they come to hand.
