Update: River levels and road closures

THE severe weather warning remains in place for the Upper Hunter, as heavy rainfall continues to affect the shire, creating possible flash flooding.

A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea coupled with a low pressure trough in the state’s northwest continues to deepen, with heavy rainfall likely to continue until tomorrow. 

The Hunter River is reportedly rising at Belltrees, Denman and Muswellbrook however, all rivers remain below flood level.

Upper Hunter Shire Council has listed eight roads currently closed due to flooding including Glenbawn Road at the Pages River Crossing and the Murulla and Mount Street Causeways at Murrurundi.

Residents are reminded to be aware of wet weather conditions, follow flood safety advice and to never drive in flood waters.

Flood safety advice:

• Avoid drowning- stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place;
• Prevent damage to your vehicle- move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood;
• Avoid being swept away;
• Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains;
• Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.

Road closures:

• Cressfield Road at Middlebrook Crossing and Dry Creek Causeway;
• Dartbrook Road at Sandy Creek Causeway;
• Wallington Road, Middlebrook;
• Glenbawn Road at Pages River Crossing;
• Camerons Bridge heavy vehicle sidetrack on Rouchel Road;
• Green Creek Road, Murrurundi;
• Murulla Street Causeway, Murrurundi;
• Mount Street Causeway, Murrurundi.

Road closures will be updated via Council’s website as changes occur.

River totals:

Kingdon Ponds:

Merriwa: Recorded height of 3.037m at 10:15am;

Isis River:

Lower Timor: Recorded height of 1.278m at 10:00am.

Latest River heights affected by flooding: