While many Yass Valley farmers have welcomed the rainfall over the last couple of days, bringing the needed moisture to crops, some residents are paying the price with flooding throughout rural roads.
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Meteorologist David Barlow said the Yass Valley received just on 37 millimetres of rainfall over the last three days; most of which fell on Monday.
“On Monday the Yass Valley received 29mm, its wettest day since June this year,” he said.
Although many low level bridges were affected by floodwater, most flooded areas receded by Wednesday morning.
Roads were closed along the Lachlan and Wollondilly rivers due to the 51mm of rain they received.
Goulburn picked up 28mm, its wettest winter day this month. Tamworth received 52mm at the start of the week, Narrabri nearly 30mm and Gunnedah 26mm, while Guyra had 49mm on Sunday and Monday.
“A low pressure system off the coast on Tuesday sent widespread falls, leading to flooding particularly for the Illawarra and South Coast areas,” Mr Barlow said.
“The main area of impact was around Nowra with 413mm, with individual spots reaching over 500 mm.”
The failure of the Jerrara Dam, just west of Kiama, resulted in extremely dangerous flooding and an evacuation was ordered.
Mr Barlow said there was a high chance of rainfall over the weekend, but nothing as heavy as earlier this week.
“A cold front is expected over the next couple of days coming from Tasmania and hitting the Yass area,” Mr Barlow said.
“Saturday morning people can expect temperatures to be around 2 degrees and drop to 0 degrees on Sunday.”
The Yass Valley Council was forced to close both Booth and Greenwood crossing on Yass River Road due to heavy rainfall. These have since been reopened.
Caves Road at Wee Jasper was a washout, creating a hole which was fixed by council staff.
Flat Rock Crossing in Yass was closed at the time of writing.
“Trees were down across the road throughout the Yass Valley over the last few days,” Council's Media and Communications Officer Gill Elphinston said.
“Residents need to report it to council if they notice any trees down or obstructions to roads or properties, so they can be dealt with accordingly.”
YVC advised that due to swollen rivers the potential for further river rises are high and people are asked to practice caution.
With sports finals looming on the weekend Ms Elphinston assured the Tribune that the fields would not be closed for games unless they are deemed unsafe.
Yass State Emergency Service (SES) Duty Officer Peter Chatwin said that they have had one job in Yass and two in neighboring councils.
“Yass SES reminds everyone to clean their gutters, check for cracked tiles and blocked storm drains,” Mr Chatwin said.
“For updates on jobs as well as road closures please 'like' our Facebook page and look for out for your local media outlets.
“Due to neighboring units going to help with the south coast clean up, members have stayed home to ensure this area is taken care of."
Mr Chatwin said that there have been 1695 requests for assistance statewide, with 111 requests Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The SES has conducted a total of 89 flood rescues.
“Most of the calls have been for leaking roofs. There have been a total 5401 calls into the state operation centre in Wollongong,” he continued.
For more information on how to be prepared in storms and floods go to www.stormsafe.com.au and www.floodsafe.com.au.