HazardWatch - New South Wales Flood Warnings

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Flood — Emergency Warning

Smithtown flooding - Evacuate now

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NSW State Emergency Service

NSW State Emergency Service

Emergency Warning

Evacuate now

Emergency Warning

The NSW SES is directing people in the following area(s) to EVACUATE NOW due to dangerous major flooding:

  • Smithtown

You must evacuate now because floodwaters are now impacting the area

Evacuation Information

You should evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. If you are unable to find accommodation, Evacuation centres have been set up at:

  • Kempsey Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey NSW

If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water.

What are we expecting?

This emergency warning to evacuate was first issued 1:00pm 21 May 2025. It has been updated based on flood predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology. If you are located in the warning area, you were warned to evacuate immediately.

It is still not safe to return. Continue to avoid flood-affected areas.

The Macleay River at Smithtown is currently at 3.92 metres and rising, above the minor flood level (3.40 m).

The Macleay River at Smithtown is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (4.00 m) Wednesday afternoon.

With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach the major flood level (4.20 m) Wednesday evening.

This event may change quickly. NSW SES will monitor the situation and update warnings if the situation changes.

What you need to do:

  • If you have a Home or Business Emergency Plan, follow it.
  • Gather your possessions for evacuation. These might include mobile phone, charger, battery-powered radio, medicine, rain gear, warm clothes, blankets, baby and pet items, water, food, torch, something to attract attention, and valuables like photos and insurance or banking records.
  • Gather your pet(s) and companion animals for safe travel.
  • Relocate waste containers, chemicals, and poisons well above floor level.
  • The safest option is to evacuate as early as possible to avoid additional hazards. Do not wait until the last minute.
  • Immediately move to a safer location away from present and potential flooding. Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location away from present and potential flooding.
  • If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over on higher ground away from trees, drains, low-lying areas, and floodwater. Find alternative travel routes if roads or underpasses are flooded.
  • Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris, and damaged roads or bridges.
  • Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.
  • Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater - it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it's flooded, forget it. Fines apply.
  • Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
  • When you evacuate register at Register.Find.Reunite https://register.redcross.org.au/ so that your friends, family and emergency services can be informed that you are safe.

For more information:

For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Media enquiries: media@ses.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 067 234

In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero 000 immediately