A bridge over Nyrang Creek has collapsed and Eugowra, Forbes and rural residents are being warned of further flooding after heavy rainfall.
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Heavy rainfall in the Canowindra area has caused a washout under Nyrang Creek Bridge on Nangar Road, Cowra police said.
A driver that rounded the bend early this morning has fallen into the gap - but fortunately, police report, escaped serious injury.
Police said the driver was taken to Canowindra hospital as a precaution after their vehicle went into the flooded creek about 5.30am.
The road is closed.
The region is on alert for both flash flooding in the wake of storms, and for renewed river rises.
MANDAGERY CREEK
Minor flooding is also expected at Eugowra on the Mandagery Creek this morning (Saturday) with possible rises to the major flood level from Saturday afternoon.
The Bureau advises significant river level rises have been observed along the Mandagery Creek upstream of Eugowra.
Toogong (Glenayr) peaked at 7.32 metres around 02:00 am Saturday and is currently falling.
This flood peak is approaching Eugowra (Smithfield) and likely to reach around 8.10 metres on Saturday morning.
Manual river level readings for Eugowra Town are being obtained. Further rises to the major flood level (9 metres) are possible from Saturday afternoon - potentially peaking at 9.10m.
The State Emergency Service advises:
- Nanagar Road is closed at Nyrang Creek due to bridge collapse.
- Flooding may impact on North Street, Cooper Street, Camp Street, Chesher Street, Broad Street, Barrack Street, Myral Street, Grevilla Drive and Pye Street threatening homes.
- Eugowra shopping area on north side of Broad Street likely to be impacted by floodwater.
- Carmen Bridge (5km downstream of Murga) closed to traffic.
- Escort Way may be impacted by floodwater 2km North-East of Eugowra at the causeway on Orange Road.
- Eulimore Lane (9km upstream of Eugowra) may be impacted by floodwater.
- Floodwaters may isolate rural properties in Island View, Mountain View, Springview and Smithfield areas.
Residents are urged to prepare now to minimise damage to property and possessions; and consider evacuation if severe flooding is predicted.
- Farmers and landholders are advised to relocate livestock, pumps, chemicals and equipment to higher ground. Do not wait until the flood peak approaches.
- Be aware of vermin, snakes and spiders seeking refuge from flood waters.
- If you become trapped by rising floodwater, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building. Stay there and call triple zero (000) if you need rescue.
LACHLAN RIVER
The Lachlan River has risen again to the moderate flood level at Nanami, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning further rises are possible as flows from heavy rain at Canowindra arrive.
The river has risen to the moderate flood level at 9.797m at Nanami this morning, and is back up to 8.237 at the Iron Bridge (the minor flood level is 8.8m).
The Lachlan River at Forbes Iron Bridge is likely to reach the moderate flood level (9.50 m) during Sunday.
Major flooding continues at Jemalong with the river remaining steady at 7.815m at Jemalong Weir Downstream.
The river has reached the moderate flood level at Condobolin with road closures as of 11am Friday:
- North Forbes Road (SR 85) - CLOSED to all vehicles due to water over the road approx. 12km east of Condobolin.
- Lachlan Valley Way (MR 377) South Forbes Road - CLOSED to all vehicles just east of Jemalong, at the 21 Mile.
- Kiacatoo Road (MR 7521) west of Kiacatoo - CLOSED to all vehicles.
- Diggers Road (SR 94) - CLOSED to all vehicles.
- Burcher Road (SR 1145) - CLOSED from Fitzgerald Road (SR 106) to Lachlan Shire LGA boundary
Forbes Shire road closures: LiveTraffic and Forbes Shire Council.