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Winter storms bring heavy snow, black ice, flood risks and rain to NSW Snow falls in Queensland as NSW SES report 100 vehicles stuck in heavily blanketed northern tablelands
(about 2 hours later)
More than 1,000 SES volunteers deployed across the state as warnings issued for 28 areas Footage shows snow falling at Dalveen, between Stanthorpe and Warwick in south east Queensland, about 4pm on Saturday
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Heavy snow is falling in the northern tablelands of New South Wales as rain batters others parts of the state. Snow has fallen in southern Queensland as the New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) responds to reports of up to 100 vehicles stuck in heavy snow blanketing the northern tablelands.
On Saturday afternoon, the NSW SES had issued 28 warnings for residents across the Coffs Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and New England regions. The SES warned 24-hour rainfall totals between 65mm and 100mm were likely, with isolated falls exceeding 130mm possible. Footage sent to Guardian Australia showed snow tumbling down at Dalveen, between Stanthorpe and Warwick in south east Queensland, about 4pm on Saturday.
The assistant commissioner Nicole Hogan said heavy and persistent rain could result in some roads being flooded and becoming impassable. Videos posted on social media page Higgins Storm Chasing showed snow falling on the town at the same time.
Also at 4pm, the SES reported up to 100 vehicles were stuck in snow on New England Highway, Waterfall Way, Norris Drive and Grafton Road in the northern tablelands. It said snow in the area was “at depths never seen before”.
Rain was battering other parts of NSW on Saturday, and the SES had issued 28 warnings for residents across the Coffs Coast, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and New England regions.
The SES warned 24-hour rainfall totals between 65mm and 100mm were likely, with isolated falls exceeding 130mm possible.
The service’s assistant commissioner, Nicole Hogan, said heavy and persistent rain could result in some roads being flooded and becoming impassable.
“We’ve had crews in Tamworth doorknocking low-lying areas to alert locals of potential localised flash flooding and road closures overnight tonight,” Hogan said.“We’ve had crews in Tamworth doorknocking low-lying areas to alert locals of potential localised flash flooding and road closures overnight tonight,” Hogan said.
“We implore the community to never drive, walk or play in floodwater – if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.”“We implore the community to never drive, walk or play in floodwater – if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.”
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The heavy rainfall is causing rivers to rise, with moderate flooding along the Peel river at Tamworth and Namoi river at Gunnedah.The heavy rainfall is causing rivers to rise, with moderate flooding along the Peel river at Tamworth and Namoi river at Gunnedah.
Unusual snow levels had been reported at Armidale and Guyra, and falls of up to 50cm are possible throughout Saturday. In Queensland, a major cold front has swept the state, with snow falling in the south-east around Stanthorpe, Warwick and Dalveen.
Hogan said black ice was a significant risk and was causing dangerous road conditions throughout the northern tablelands. Videos posted on social media by Higgins Storm Chasing showed snow falling at Dalveen about 4pm on Saturday.
“We have road crash crews prepositioned and ready to respond to any rescues, but we ask the community to please avoid unnecessary travel,” she said. In NSW, unusual snow levels had been reported at Armidale and Guyra, and falls of up to 50cm are possible throughout Saturday.
“If you do need to be on the roads in areas with snow, drive with caution, always use your brakes gently and drive slowly.”
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Hogan said black ice was a significant risk and was causing dangerous road conditions throughout the northern tablelands.
“We have road crash crews prepositioned and ready to respond to any rescues, but we ask the community to please avoid unnecessary travel,” she said.
“If you do need to be on the roads in areas with snow, drive with caution, always use your brakes gently and drive slowly.”
Damaging wind gusts exceeding 90km/h and large and powerful surf are also forecast.Damaging wind gusts exceeding 90km/h and large and powerful surf are also forecast.
More than 1,000 NSW SES volunteers have been deployed across the state. The SES has responded to 750 calls since the onset of the bad weather.More than 1,000 NSW SES volunteers have been deployed across the state. The SES has responded to 750 calls since the onset of the bad weather.