Australia Weather News

NSW flood road closures see Pacific Highway closed amid floodwater warnings

Motorists have been warned to drive cautiously in flood-hit New South Wales and parts of the Pacific Highway remain underwater.

Video released by the NSW government shows the highway has become a dual carriageway river, with floodwaters closing some sections to traffic.

As homes face inundation and tens of thousands of people are cut off from supplies and escape routes, key coastal roads have been severed.

Diversions are in place for some major roads, but authorities are emphasising drivers should never attempt to pass through floodwaters.

Here's what to know.

What roads are closed in the NSW floods?

Hundreds of roads have been impacted by flooding in the NSW Mid North Coast, according to the Live Traffic NSW website.

According to an update from the site issued on Friday morning, key road closures include:

  • The Pacific Highway in both directions between Coopernook and Purfleet
  • The Oxley Highway between Thrumster and Wauchope, as well as at Rosewood, Long Flat and Mount Seaview
  • Giinagay Way between North Macksville and Nambucca Heads
  • Waterfall Way between Bellingen and Raleigh, and again between Dorrigo Mountain and Thora
  • Failford Road between the Pacific Highway (Maitland Road) and the Newcastle Inner City Bypass
  • Nelson Bay Road between Richardson Road and Williamtown Drive
  • The Illawarra Highway in both directions at Macquarie Pass

    • Other closed roads in greater Sydney are:

  • Springwood Road at Yarramundi Bridge
  • Cattai Road at Eldon St and Millers Road at Pitt Town
  • Pitt Town Road at McGraths Hill
  • Wakehurst Parkway at Oxford Falls
  • Audley Weir at Royal National Park

    • A full list of affected roads can be found at the NSW Live Traffic website and regular updates are issued via the NSW Live Traffic social media pages.

    It's also worth noting that situations can change when floodwaters rise, and roads closures can change after you set off on your journey.

    What diversions are in place?

    Diversions are in place for many of the above mentioned road closures.

    According to NSW Live traffic, northbound traffic on the Pacific Highway — also called the M1 — can divert onto the New England Highway from Beresfield to Glen Innes, then onto the Gwydir Highway to South Grafton, join the Big River Way to Tyndale and then rejoin the Pacific Highway.

    Drivers heading south along the M1 can divert onto Big River Way from Tyndale to South Grafton, using the Gwydir Highway to get to Glen Innes, then onto the New England Highway towards Beresfield, where they can rejoin the Pacific Highway.

    Drivers taking the diversion along the Big River Way should note it runs alongside the Clarence River, though local authorities say flooding is unlikely to affect the road.

    Specific route diversions can be found on the NSW Live Traffic website.

    Can I drive during the wet weather?

    Provided roads are open and you can exercise due care, the answer for most people is yes.

    However authorities always stress that you should never attempt to drive through floodwaters.

    "Even a small amount of water can cause your vehicle to move or for you to be carried away," Acting NSW Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said.

    "Our message is not only to drivers in the rural areas, but drivers in Metropolitan Sydney as well — please drive to the conditions, drive slowly, be courteous to your fellow drivers, watch out for pedestrians.

    "During these wet weather events the roads are more dangerous and we need to make sure we drive responsibly and in accordance with the conditions."

    Some flood-affected areas are under shelter in place advice. People in those areas should not attempt to drive, as all roads around them are likely affected by floodwaters.

    Separate to the four people confirmed dead in the floods, NSW has recorded two other deaths on its roads overnight in rainy conditions.

    ABC