GRAFTON
Scores of homes are underwater in northern New South Wales tonight as the flood crisis continues.
In a day of high drama, dozens were rescued from rooftops, while in Grafton, thousands were evacuated, as the city experienced flooding on a record scale.
The Clarence River at Grafton has peaked at a record level, just 2cm below the levee.
2500 people have been told to get out as the river peaked at 8.08 metres at noon and breached some parts of the wall.
Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson said council workers were able to contain it with sandbags and attention was turning to towns downstream including Iluka, Yamba, Ulmarra and Maclean.
“It’s looking more positive but the situation is still very dire. It’s improving for Grafton and our attention is now on Ulmarra and the levee system around Maclean,” Mr Williamson said.
The Pacific Highway is now closed between Ballina and Grafton.
BYRON RESCUE
As the rains recede in northern New South Wales, stories of survival are beginning to emerge.
One couple on the far north coast say they’re lucky to be alive, after their home was battered by strong winds for 48 hours.
LISMORE
Lismore still remains isolated, with flood waters blocking the Pacific Highway in both directions.
Cleanup efforts have already begun, with Council estimating the damage bill could hit more than half a million dollars.
MID NORTH COAST
MINOR FLOODING FOR THE MID NORTH COAST
Parts of the Hastings, Macleay Valley and Camden Haven are experiencing minor flooding.
And while the SES has been kept busy, it says the situation could have been a lot worse.
BIG SEAS POUND COFFS MARINA ROCK WALL
The heavy rain along the mid north coast has moved south taking with it the threat of major flooding south of Grafton.
But big seas whipped up by the low pressure system are still pounding the coastline.
TWEED
The SES have sent a crew to Fingal on the Tweed River where three people are inside a house with rising water.
Chinderah and Kingscliff residents are bracing for flood waters to rise with the high tide expected to peak at noon.
Residents in Chinderah were caught off guard this morning, as flood waters starting rising early, causing homes and shops to be inundated in the main street.
NEWCASTLE
Despite ominous forecasts, the region was spared the kind of damage seen elsewhere.
But the weather system whipped up in the wake of tropical cyclone Oswald still left its mark.
CENTRAL COAST
The Central Coast avoided disaster, with the SES receiving fewer than expected calls for help as the region was hit with heavy rainfall.
