Update as of 8.30am 21 May 2025
Minor to Moderate flood warning for the Macleay River was issued at 7:17am today, the warning can be found here: Flood Warning - Macleay River
Severe weather warning for Heavy Rainfall and Damaging Winds has been issued and can be found here: Bureau of Meteorology - New South Wales Severe Weather Warning 1
Kempsey and a broader area of the Macleay River Catchment is included within the severe weather warning.
The forecast rainfall for Wednesday and Thursday (21 & 22 May respectively) remains a significant concern and will be monitored closely.
You can view the latest warnings at: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/index.shtml
The Flood Relief Gates at Kinchela Creek and Belmore River will open should the river continue to rise, opening will occur should the river level reach the levee height at Belmore River and Kinchela Creek. Landholders on the Lower Macleay SMS list have been notified.
The Macleay River has risen rapidly overnight and has reached the minor flood level at Georges Creek and at the Kempsey Traffic Bridge, further rises are likely.
Further rainfall predicted throughout the day and into tomorrow will likely result in further rises.
Due to flooding occurring within the Hastings River, floodwaters are impacting the Maria River Area, and will likely accelerate the closure of Crescent Head Road at the Corduroy. Council staff will continue to monitor.
Heavy Localised rainfall is leading to road closures & water over the road, Council resources are stretched and cannot inspect every road, drive with caution and do not enter flood water.
If river levels at Kempsey approach 5.1m, the flood relief gates at Belmore River and Kinchela Creek will open. Landholders on the Lower Macleay SMS list have been notified.
Kerbside bin collections may be delayed — please leave your bins out if they haven't been collected. They will be picked up as soon as road access allows.
FLOOD WARNING
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Minor to Moderate Flood Warning #2 for the Macleay River at 7:17am on Wednesday 21 March 2025.
The Macleay River at Georges Creek is currently at 7.37 metres and rising, with minor flooding. The Macleay River at Georges Creek may reach the moderate flood level (8.00 m) Wednesday morning. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
The Macleay River at Bellbrook is currently at 5.13 metres and rising, below the minor flood level (6.50 m). The Macleay River at Bellbrook may reach the minor flood level Wednesday morning. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
The Macleay River at Kempsey (AHD) is currently at 4.46 metres and rising, with minor flooding. The Macleay River at Kempsey (AHD) may reach around 5.00 metres during Wednesday. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
For up-to-date warnings head to Flood Warning - Macleay River
STUARTS POINT
Council staff continue to monitor groundwater levels at Stuarts Point.
There is currently no operational need to control surface waters at Stuarts Point as a result of this event.
Should groundwater levels increase dramatically, or intense rainfall cause stormwater related concerns then further information will be provided and a response activated.
