North Richmond and Windsor bridges are now both closed by floodwaters say Gazette reporters at both sites at 11.40am.
Authorities had initially planned to close the bridges in the early afternoon, but rapidly rising floodwaters convinced them to shut them earlier.
The current river flows driven by floodwaters from the Warragamba Dam release.
SES crews have conducted evacuations for low-lying areas of the Hawkesbury including the Richmond Lowlands, the Grono Point area of Wilberforce, Pitt Town Bottoms and have ordered the evacuation of caravan parks from Windsor through to Wisemans Ferry
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.
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More updates as they come to hand.
