The heroes in high vis have been hard at work today dealing with increasing flooding in the low country and getting the power back on where they can as the snow melted in the high country.
Evacuations are currently underway in parts of Gunnedah due to rapidly increasing flood waters, including:
- between Wolseley Park and Namoi River.
- Bloomfield Street
- Parts of Maitland Street
- Parts of Chandos Street
- Parts of Warrabungle Street
- Parts of Rosemary Street
- Parts of Marquis Street
- Parts of Abbott Street
- Parts of Tempest Street
- Parts of Henry Street
- Talibah Street
- Finch Street
- Weaver Street
- Old Tamworth Road
- Lochrey Road
- The Talibah Flats
Residents affected should have evacuated to stay with friends and family or the Gunnedah PCYC which has been set up as an evacuation centre.
Watch and Act warnings are in place for:
- Tamworth and surrounds
- the remainder of Gunnedah
- Carol Village
- Woolomin
There are also flooding advice warnings for
- Yarraman Bridge
- Pallamallawa and Surrounds
- Boggabri
- Georges Creek
- Gravesend
- Ashford
- Narrabri
- Wee Waa
- Manilla
- Tamworth CBD
See all the details and advice on the NSW SES site or Hazards near me app.
Power situation challenging but improving
Crews have made some restoration progress this afternoon with just over 21,000 homes and businesses without power across the Mid North Coast and New England regions, however access remains a challenge.
Customers may experience power outages overnight with some regions to have prolonged outages for several days.
As of 6pm this afternoon (Sunday 3 August), 8270 households in Armidale, Walcha, Guyra, Bendemeer and surrounds remain without power.
Essential Energy says that due to the high volume of damage and amount of snow, crews are unable to reach some of the locations where the network has been impacted.
“The weight of the snow on power lines and trees have brought down wires which can not be repaired until access improves for our crews to safely begin restoration work.”
“Please be prepared for the power to remain off for several days,” a spokesperson said.
Helicopters and additional crews are ready to come into the area as soon as the roads reopen, and there is some hope of power being restored to Uralla at some point tonight.
People are reminded to keep at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines, power poles and damaged electricity equipment, or 150 metres away if any part of the electricity network is covered in flood waters. Always assume that these powerlines are live and very dangerous. If you see fallen powerlines, please report the location to Essential Energy on 13 20 80.
If you’re a life support customer and require assistance, please call 000.
Phone service, Uni, still out Monday
Telstra and Optus are both reporting widespread outages linked to the loss of power. NBN and mobile services have been affected in spots where the towers have lost power. Optus is not giving an indication of when services may be restored, while Telstra are predicting reconnection on Tuesday.
Meanwhile UNE has cancelled all classes for Monday, but are hopeful of resuming on Tuesday after clearing fallen tree branches.
Armidale residents are also being asked to conserve water due to damage to ARC’s water management systems.
The good news is that most of the roads affected by snow have now been reopened, although there may be flooding or water over the roads, and the risk of black ice is high, so please drive with caution and to conditions.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au