Flood waters that submerged parts of Dungog Shire across the weekend had begun to recede on Tuesday but emergency services were warning residents to be prepared for further wet weather.
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A severe weather warning for heavy rain and damaging winds remained in place for the Hunter on Tuesday, almost one week after one was first issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. The severe weather between Thursday, March 3 and Tuesday, March 8 saw heavy rainfall and winds lash the shire forcing road, bridge and school closures, and moderate flooding along the Paterson River at Gostwyck and Williams River at Dungog.
A 24-hour emergency evacuation centre was set up at Dungog Memorial RSL Club on Monday, which remains operational this week, and animal safe places are also now open at Gresford Showground & Camping Grounds and Dungog Saleyards for producers to evacuate stock.
Dungog Shire Council general manager Gareth Curtis said community members had already started using the evacuation centre on Monday despite no evacuation order being issued yet.
He said the 2015 superstorm, which claimed three lives in Dungog, meant a lot of people in the community were very mindful when severe weather warnings were issued.
"The community here remember 2015 all too well. They've definitely learned from that - not just the community, but all agencies. I'm pleased to see how much preparedness has gone into this. We're in really good position," he said.
Mr Curtis said updates would be listed on the council's Facebook page and website and urged people to heed the warnings and not drive through flood waters.
As of Tuesday the Banfield Bridge, Thalaba Bridge, Horns Crossing Bridge and Fosterton Bridge remained closed.
"As water levels decrease, bridges require maintenance inspections prior to being open. They will remain closed until appropriate inspections can be carried out," Dungog council stated.
Roads in the shire closed include: Paterson River Road at Carrabolla due to a landslip; Bingleburra Road, only one lane is operating; Hooke Street, Dungog, Martins Creek Road, Paterson, the Tocal end, and Allyn River Road as the causeways are subject to heavy flooding. One lane of Bingleburra Road is open.
"Given the conditions, we anticipate that there will be water rising and falling over many of our local roads. Please ensure you drive with caution at all times," the council said.
All sporting fields are closed, as is John Tucker Park at Paterson and the Waste Management Facility due to "hazardous conditions".
The severe weather warning issued for Dungog on Monday afternoon was due to a low over northeastern NSW bringing a band of storms to the area, causing locally intense falls.
The NSW SES held a community meeting at the Dungog High School on Sunday afternoon to alert residents about potential actions, including possible evacuations, vulnerable roads and sandbag collection.
The BOM forecasts further rain for Dungog through to Monday, but not as intense as the previous week with showers between 1mm and 5mm expected.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
