Lismore, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, is currently facing moderate flooding as water levels in the Wilsons River rise alarmingly close to the town’s levee. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued warnings indicating that significant flooding is expected to occur around midday, with river levels projected to reach major flood status and potentially top the levee height of 10.6 metres later in the afternoon.
As of the latest reports, the Wilsons River stands at 9.04 metres and continues to climb. Residents in the lower-lying areas of Lismore have already experienced inundation, evidenced by drone footage revealing the extent of the flooding. Despite the challenging conditions, many locals remain hopeful that their homes will avoid damage.
One resident, Vinny O’Dwyer, expressed cautious optimism, noting her home is situated in a safer area of the basin, protected by the levee. O’Dwyer shared her sentiments on a morning news program, describing the week as particularly long and stressful. She confirmed that she and her family are prepared for any eventuality, with an escape plan already in place as the floodwaters continue to rise.
Authorities and residents alike are closely monitoring the situation as the potential for further flooding looms throughout the day. With the community’s resilience on display, Lismore is bracing for the challenges posed by nature while hoping for the best.