IDN36605
Australian Government Bureau of MeteorologyModerate to Major Flood Warning for the Macleay River
at Georges Creek, Bellbrook, Kempsey and Smithtown
Issued at 6:36 pm EST on Wednesday 21 May 2025
Flood Warning Number: 5
MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT GEORGES CREEK, KEMPSEY AND SMITHTOWN FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING
MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT BELLBROOK THURSDAY MORNING
Moderate to heavy rainfall since Tuesday has caused river level rises and minor to moderate flooding across the Macleay River catchment. Further rainfall is forecast across the catchment for the next few days, which may result in further river level rises.
Along the Macleay River, moderate flooding is occurring at Georges Creek, Kempsey and Smithtown, with minor flooding occurring at Bellbrook. With forecast rainfall, major flooding is possible at Georges Creek, Kempsey and Smithtown from Wednesday evening. Moderate flooding may develop at Bellbrook from Thursday morning.
A Severe Weather Warning is current for Heavy to locally intense rainfall over parts of the Mid North Coast, including the Macleay River catchment.
The situation will continue to be monitored and this warning will be updated as required.
Macleay River:
Major flooding may occur along the Macleay River.
The Macleay River at Georges Creek is currently at 9.07 metres and rising, above the moderate flood level (8.00 m). The Macleay River at Georges Creek is likely to exceed 9.40 metres Wednesday evening, with moderate flooding. With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach the major flood level (10.00 m) overnight Wednesday into Thursday.
The Macleay River at Bellbrook is currently at 9.10 metres and rising, above the minor flood level (6.50 m). The Macleay River at Bellbrook is likely to exceed 9.50 metres Wednesday evening, with minor flooding. With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach the moderate flood level (10.50 m) Thursday morning. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
The Macleay River at Kempsey (AHD) is currently at 6.39 metres and rising, above the moderate flood level (5.70 m). The Macleay River at Kempsey (AHD) is likely to exceed the major flood level (6.60 m) overnight Wednesday into Thursday. With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach around 7.00 metres Thursday morning, with major flooding. Further rises are possible with forecast rainfall.
The Macleay River at Smithtown is currently at 4.03 metres and rising, above the moderate flood level (4.00 m). The Macleay River at Smithtown may reach the major flood level (4.20 m) Wednesday evening.
Flood Safety Advice:
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- * Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- * Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- * Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- * Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
* NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
* RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
* Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/midnorth.shtml
* Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
* Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
* BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW
Next Issue:
The next warning will be issued by 10:00 pm EST on Wednesday 21 May 2025.
Latest River Heights:
| Location | Height of River (m) | Tendency | Date/Time of Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macleay River at Georges Creek | 9.07 | Rising | 06:15 PM WED 21/05/25 |
| Macleay River at Bellbrook | 9.10 | Rising | 06:27 PM WED 21/05/25 |
| Macleay River at Turners Flat | 9.60 | Rising | 06:00 PM WED 21/05/25 |
| Macleay River at Kempsey (AHD) | 6.39 | Rising | 06:15 PM WED 21/05/25 |
| Macleay River at Third Lane | 5.79 | Rising | 06:06 PM WED 21/05/25 |
| Macleay River at Frederickton | 5.53 | Steady | 06:19 PM WED 21/05/25 |
| Macleay River at Smithtown | 4.03 | Rising | 06:15 PM WED 21/05/25 |
This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 210. Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood. The latest weather forecast is available at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts.