Key events
And back up to Queensland where Premier David Crisafulli was speaking on ABC news just before.
He was warning people not to drive through flood water.
My message is just to just to be careful. Don’t go driving through flooded water. Do the little things right, and you’ll get through this event.
We do have a bit of rain left to go, is, overwhelmingly, you must always put your safety first. That’s number one in a disaster, property can replace people can’t.
He said the cleanup would be a big job, but Queenslanders were up for it.
I want Queenslanders to know whatever stage, wherever you’re at, we will see this through, and in doing so, we’ll be a stronger, more resilient state for it.
Staying in NSW for a second, SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said the overall situation with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is looking more promising than it was a few days ago. Here is what he had to say:
We’re very glad to see some warnings reduced over the weekend, allowing some residents to return with caution in parts of Lismore, Kygole, Wiangaree, Arrawarra Beach, Darlington Beach and other locations as conditions have eased.
However, we’re not out the woods just yet, major flooding and isolations are still occurring across many communities, and the predicted risk of heavy rain to continue throughout Monday and possibly into Tuesday will only exacerbate this risk.
We may see renewed river rises, but we’re hoping we have seen the worst of the rain from this event.
I’ve got a bit more information on the flooding here, from the NSW SES:
Significant flooding is occurring on the Clarence River, with emergency warnings advising people to shelter in place for people living on Carrs Island, Grafton and downstream on Harwood, Chatworth, Warregah and Goodwood Islands. Residents on these islands will be isolated until flood waters recede.
Along the Richmond River, residents at Bungawalbin have been advised it is too late to leave the area and to seek refuge at higher ground due to major flooding. Major flooding is also occurring at Coraki.
Very heavy rain has fallen overnight in Queensland and in the Tweed Valley. This rainfall has renewed flood levels across the region and is expected to last well across Monday in a number of places including Tumbulgum.
Further south, the Macleay River may reach moderate flood levels at Kempsey and Smithtown, with residents advised to prepare to evacuate. Isolations are also possible at Hat Head, Crescent Head and South West Rocks due to flood waters across roads.
A flood watch for minor flooding in the state’s north-west and central-west is in place.
Ben Smee
Residents along Brisbane’s Enogerra Creek catchment have been warned to prepare to move to higher ground, as the Enogerra dam overflows.
The dam is currently at 240% capacity and spilling into the creek system, which last night peaked just below the major flood level.
The concern now is that a combination of a high tide, water spilling from the reservoir and continued heavy rain will cause inundation of homes.
Guardian Australia saw the creek breaking its banks and spilling into parks and nearby streets yesterday. Those pictures (taken about 10.30am) were from when the creek was below the “minor” flood level. It seems there could be much more severe conditions on the way today.
Pics from yesterday here:
Welcome
Good morning everyone – this is Cait Kelly, I will be with you until the afternoon.
It’s a big morning, so let me catch you up on the headlines quickly.
Major flooding has isolated 1,800 people as evacuation routes have been cut, as ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continues to bring heavy rain to northern NSW.
A further 18,500 people across have been advised to prepare for isolations due to rising flood waters. Across the north-east of the state, 20,300 people (or 9,400 dwellings) are still currently under emergency warnings advising them to evacuate.
Ipswich city council has just issued an alert for flash flooding, and there are flood warnings for large parts of the state, including Noosa Rivers, Maroochy, parts of the Brisbane River, Logan, Cooper Creek and more. You can see the latest update from the BoM here.
I will also bring you more on this unfolding situation as we go along.
I’ve got a lot more for you this morning, so let’s get into it.