Dubbo rainfall: Weather warning for heavy rainfall in Dubbo, central west slopes and plains region

Sewage issues reported to Dubbo Regional Council overnight have been fixed.

Council staff received a large number of water and sewer related calls last night as a result of large volumes of storm water entering the sewer system which caused capacity issues for pumps at the treatment plant.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, Director of Infrastructure Julian Geddes said by midnight on Monday council staff had attended and resolved all reported blockages.

"By 3am Tuesday, 23 March the pump stations that treat the water had caught up with the inflows and the system was flowing and operating as normal," he said.

"Council would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during an exceptionally busy time, and we would also like to recognises the work done by council's operations crews overnight and early into the morning responding to all reported incidents."

UPDATE: Tuesday, March 23, 1pm

Dubbo Regional Council have advised a number of roads are closed in the Dubbo Local Government area due to minor flooding and wet weather.

Council have also closed all Mountain Bike Trails, with Dubbo Mountain Bike Club to place barrier fencing up to protect sections of Mugga Hill.

UPDATE: Tuesday, March 23, 12pm

Narromine Shire Council have closed all unsealed roads in the shire to vehicles due to flooding.

The Dubbo Collie Road is also closed to all vehicles.

Narromine Shire Council are asking residents to plan their journey, and not to drive through floodwaters.

For an update on local road closures, please go to the Council's website or contact Narromine Shire Council's office on (02) 6889 9999.

UPDATE: Tuesday, March 23

Weather today: The Bureau of Meteorology has downgraded Tuesday's possible rainfall. It now sits at a 90 per cent chance of 5-10mm for Dubbo.

Rain and showers are expected to be heavy at times during the morning and afternoon but become less likely later in the afternoon and evening.

Bells Line of Road closed:

The Bells Line of Roads is closed for the foreseeable future as savage weather continues to wreak havoc.

A landslide and debris from it originally cause the highway to be closed near Mount Tomah over the weekend however, as reported by the NSW Transport Management Centre, it now appears the highway is shut with no forecast for when it will reopen.

READ MORE HERE

Water and Sewer update from Dubbo Regional Council: DRC is receiving a very high volume of sewer related emergency calls. Due to rainfall conditions, large volumes of stormwater are entering the sewer system, and combined with high residential water/sewer usage, is causing capacity issues for the city's sewer system.

Council has a number of crews responding to emergency calls. Calls will be triaged (placed in an order of priority).

UPDATE: Monday, March 22 2.19pm

Dubbo Regional Council has CLOSED all sporting ovals around Dubbo and Wellington for Monday and Tuesday.

Council say due to the heavy rain all sporting ovals in Dubbo and Wellington will be closed. Further inspections will be undertaken on Wednesday.

Do you have a wet weather story to tell us? A message to get out to the community? Or a photo to share? email lynn.rayner@dailyliberal.com.au

UPDATE: Monday, March 22 1.25pm

Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology it is expected the following areas may be impacted by floodwaters:

What you need to do:

Safety is your highest priority - Never walk, drive, or play in floodwaters.

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.

EARLIER: Monday, March 22 12pm

The Bureau of Meterology have issues a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall for residents across NSW, including those in Dubbo.

A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea continues to drive widespread and persistent rain onto the New South Wales coast.

Meanwhile, a low pressure trough in the state's west is deepening, bringing rain areas to the northern inland on Monday.

In this area, heavy rain is possible from the morning, becoming more likely in the afternoon and evening, and then possibly spread southeast overnight.

On Tuesday, as the trough reaches the Tasman Sea, a low pressure system may form, bringing increased rainfall and strong winds to the southeast..

Heavy rain, likely leading to flash flooding, is forecast to develop in parts of the Upper Western, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, and Central West Slopes and Plains forecast districts from Monday morning, becoming more likely in the afternoon and evening.

There is an enhanced risk with any thunderstorm activity.

Locations which may be affected in our region include Katoomba, Tamworth, Dubbo, Tibooburra, Cobar and Bourke. Other locations include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Taree.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

Flood warnings:

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

For the latest rainfall and weather forecasts see www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood

Flood safety advice:

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.

Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.

Severe Weather Warnings will be issued or updated if very heavy rain is forecast or observed.

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