Several clean-up operations were in place across Grafton on November 10 after a ferocious storm swept across southern parts of the Clarence Valley.
Trees were uprooted by strong gusts of wind and localised flash flooding cut roads in half as heavy rain fell relentlessly during the afternoon and into the evening.
Residents in outlying communities including Nymboida, Kangaroo Creek, and Buccarumbi experienced significant power outages which extended into the following day, while the Grafton Research Station recorded 46mm of rain in 24 hours to 9am.
In Grafton, many social media users posted photos of the aftermath of the wild weather on Facebook, with a number of images depicting water-logged carparks, saturated backyards, and swollen waterways.
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) North Eastern Deputy Zone Commander Superintendent Scott McLennan told the Clarence Valley Independent local crews responded to 15 storm related incidents including fallen trees and leaking roofs, and with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting severe thunderstorm activity to continue to occur across the region throughout the remainder of the week, he is urging residents to be cautious and take preventative steps to protect themselves and their properties.
“This time of the year is our regular storm season,” he explained, adding current atmospheric conditions are ideal for producing damaging winds, hail, and persistent rainfall in Northern NSW.
“The storm which passed over Grafton on the weekend was particularly intense, and we’re expecting to see similar weather patterns evolve during the next several days.
“Quite a lot of rain has already fallen across large sections of the Clarence Valley, and any further rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours has the potential to cause extensive water runoff and additional flash flooding in low lying areas, causeways, and culverts, and we’re urging people to remain vigilant.
“We’re also urging residents to ensure their gutters are clean and their drains are clear, which reduces the risk of water backing up and causing further damage, and we’re also advising people to remove any overhanging branches near their homes.
“If you have any pets, its advised that you keep them safely indoors to protect them from lightning and thunder, and if you have solar panels on your property, please check that they don’t sustain any damage if hail occurs.
“Rainfall can also cause dangerous driving conditions, and anyone travelling on the roads during or after heavy showers is advised to drive to the conditions and please slow down to keep themselves and other road users safe.”
As summer approaches, a number of destructive storms have passed over the Clarence Valley in recent weeks.
On October 24 and 28, wild weather caused significant damage to properties across Yamba and Gulmarrad, with the latter extensively battered by golf ball sized hail and fierce winds.
Superintendent McLennan said anyone who requires emergency assistance should contact NSW SES on 132 500.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 13 November 2024.
