Impact of Floods

[Kev]

Does anyone know how the guys in flood effected areas are doing?,.....such as Tony in West Wyalong and others south of there...


Kev

[Sicman]

Hi Gents & Ladies - Its been wet for over a month on and off so no riding for me for ages     As of today Over 5000 evacuated so far with all major  & minor roads closed from Forbes thru to Henty and about 150kms around that area. Its damn wet. North Wagga is flooding tonight and maybe Wagga CBD as well for the 1st time in over 30 years. The water got within inches last year, but with the flood level estimated to be over 10.6 metres ( Murrumbidgee River) this time major flooding is on the cards. There is water over the roads everywhere. Its been busy for me  with transfers and rescues with Ambulance and NSW Fire and Rescue. At least we have a few dry sunny days at the moment, but with dams overflowing everywhere no end is in sight yet. Major water levels are being exceeded, in some cases for the 1st time in history.
They cannot control the water flow this year as there are dams overflowing everywhere ( Burrinjuck is at 108%), Wyangala 103%) Jindabine has hit its highest water mark ever, Cottam Dam overflowing and levee banks and smaller dams bursting causing extra flooding. Even though we are fairly flat out here the amount of water is pushing along at a fast pace causing road damage everywhere. Forbes is likely to go under tomorrow ( Lachlan river). The road from West Wyalong to Forbes ( Newell Hwy ) has been cut under water for 3 days with damage, the road to Hay is cut, the newell hwy is cut south of West Wyalong etc.

Out of 6 main roads out of West Wyalong 5 are cut off, and the Wagga rd has a foot of water over it, but at least we can get patients thru to Wagga Base Hospital. With the large body of water coming down from the North West heading down the Darling river, and all the water in our area now heading towards Mildura as well I am starting to question whether the Ulysses AGM will still be able to go ahead in three weeks time.
I wouldnt consider trying to ride in Central & Southern NSW anytime over the next 3 weeks due to the damage. A lot of accommodation is being taken up by evacuees and 99% of  camping areas, caravan parks are under water.
If you want to help - Send beer 
Cheers

Tony
 

[Brock]

tried to send a Beer Tony,but the modem blows up every time I pour a beer into it. I am on my last modem. It doesnt fax well either

[Sicman]

Thanks Brock. Its lucky you didn't get an electric shock by peeing on your modem after you strained that beer thru your kidneys ,
Another 8000 now evacuated out of Wagga CBD area. Time will tell whether the levee holds. North Wagga is under water including the Palm and Pawn hotel

Cheers
 

[sac468]

My Daughter lives in wagga, thankfully they are high enough that the water wont effect them, and if it does we will need an arc.
they are safe but cut off.

won't be able to see her or my grand son for a week or two until the water subsides.

[royst1100]

my mum and dad live in wagga and told me they were fine on monday avo, got evact monday night. house is high enough (we hope) but just incase

[saaz]

Seems that the peak has not come, so hopefully stays that way

[Sicman]

Looks like the river at Wagga peaked at 4pm at 10.56 and had dropped to 10.54 by 6pm. More rain is predicted for the weekend so it will prolong things for a while. The evacuees will be kept out of the Wagga CBD for a while yet.
Forbes looks like going under tomorrow. All roads are still cut at this stage except the West Wyalong road to Wagga, although it still has water across it. Barellan has been flooded for the first time ever so they are a bit shocked out there. Some of the first flood closed towns, like Ungarie are being re-opened tomorrow so the cleanup can start.

And Yes Kev - I am always happy to process more beer 

Cheers

 

[John Meara]

I've watching the roads down south close, reopen, close and reopen as flood waters and added rain hits.  Local advice on the following would be appreciated:

Any local advice appreciated to assist us in getting through....

We depart Brissie Thursday morning heading down the New England to Sandy Hollow just west of Musselbrook (about 800km).  Shouldn't be any issues with this day 1. It is day 2 and 3 that are of concern. We want to pick the best route possible, hopefully avoiding simply boring ourselves stupid down the Hume.

Day 2 Friday we originally planned to run down the Bylong Valley Way through Sofala to Bathurst; then via Cowra-Young-Coolac-Gundagai-Tumut-Batlow for a night booked at Tumburumba.  Clearly the roads from about Cowra have been inundated, but then apparently reopenned.

Day 3 Saturday to Jingellic but then down along the Murray River Road (Vic side of the river) looks to be cut in a couple of places.  What about the NSW side of the river from Jingellic via River Road to Albury?

Then Beechworth-Whitfield-Mansfield-Yea-Kingslake West looks to be okay at present to get into Melbourne by Saturday arvo.  Advice?

We will of course check all web sites as we proceed, but local knowledge is always good too.  Advice appreciated on predicted rising levels that will fraught the above plans.

[Marcus]

Thanks Brock. Its lucky you didn't get an electric shock by peeing on your modem after you strained that beer thru your kidneys ,
Another 8000 now evacuated out of Wagga CBD area. Time will tell whether the levee holds. North Wagga is under water including the Palm and Pawn hotel

Cheers
 

Tony, I'm guessing everything will be ok by the time I ride though for the OZSTOC?

[Marcus]

We...I mean WE

[alans1100]

I for one are keeping an eye on the Barrier Hwy as this is the shortest route for us. At the moment there is a bridge out on the SA side of the border so all traffic is being diverted via Wentwoth.

No doubt there will be some water still to come down from QLD which may cause some issues. Looking at all the road closures in NSW the northern route seems the only option at the moment.

[Couch]

It's hard to believe how much rain has fallen on the mainland while we're still getting bugger all! I really feel sorry for those who have been flooded out!  :(

[Sicman]

[/quote]

Tony, I'm guessing everything will be ok by the time I ride though for the OZSTOC?
[/quote]

Hey Marcus - yes the road is open from Albury thru to West Wyalong. By April the road from West wyalong to Forbes should be open which will allow us to turn at Marsden and head up the hill to Blackheath  :)

 

[Sicman]

Still over a month 'til the 'big'    &  ...lots of time for the weather to improve


Cheers

Kev

Kev - ur funny calling Tassie the jewel of Australia - We refer to it as the right nut, the left just hasnt dropped yet

[Sicman]

I've watching the roads down south close, reopen, close and reopen as flood waters and added rain hits.  Local advice on the following would be appreciated:

Any local advice appreciated to assist us in getting through....

We depart Brissie Thursday morning heading down the New England to Sandy Hollow just west of Musselbrook (about 800km).  Shouldn't be any issues with this day 1. It is day 2 and 3 that are of concern. We want to pick the best route possible, hopefully avoiding simply boring ourselves stupid down the Hume.

Day 2 Friday we originally planned to run down the Bylong Valley Way through Sofala to Bathurst; then via Cowra-Young-Coolac-Gundagai-Tumut-Batlow for a night booked at Tumburumba.  Clearly the roads from about Cowra have been inundated, but then apparently reopenned.

Day 3 Saturday to Jingellic but then down along the Murray River Road (Vic side of the river) looks to be cut in a couple of places.  What about the NSW side of the river from Jingellic via River Road to Albury?

Then Beechworth-Whitfield-Mansfield-Yea-Kingslake West looks to be okay at present to get into Melbourne by Saturday arvo.  Advice?

We will of course check all web sites as we proceed, but local knowledge is always good too.  Advice appreciated on predicted rising levels that will fraught the above plans.

Hey John - How about trying Tumba to Corryong and then the hwy to Albury on the Vic side? The ride to Corryong along the alpine plains is amazing and the road from Corryong to Albury should be a better ride with less chance of road closures. Being Autumn its a beautiful time in the NSW hills

Cheers
 

[Sicman]

Kev - ur funny calling Tassie the jewel of Australia - We refer to it as the right nut, the left just hasnt dropped yet

Gee...no wonder I walk with a limp...keep walking round in circles... 

Cheers 

Kev

Its weird this weather Kev - The hottest day we have had this year was 38 degrees on 3rd January. We never had a 40 or even our usual 45 this year. Then I notice it was 38 degrees the other day in Hobart of all places. Between work and all this wet weather the poor bike has been locked up and I havent been this frustrated since the last time I had MSB ( Massive Sperm Buildup )

 

[Couch]

It's weird..........we had 2 days on the Peninsula.......one at 38.9 and followed by 37 the following day, then back to our normal temp, thank goodness. But we still haven't had any rain again today, it's been overcast but not one drop......I'm riding in to Sorell (85lks) early tomorrow morning (dentist)...... what's the bet it rains. If it does then I'll take the cage. My riding buddies down here on the Peninsula are all members of Ulysses, and they're hosting a bar'b'q for the Hobart Chapter here at our RSL on Sunday.....of course I've also been invited along......guess I'll just have to grace them with my presence.............after all the guys are turning it on free of charge!!

[Sicman]

We normally get 3 weeks of around 40 -45 degrees in February, but its hardly poked its head above 32 all summer.
Enjoy ur ride Couch - I get 4 days off starting 8am Saturday and the weather looks like its gunna be nice and sunny so here's hoping the bike gets out for a few kms We are going to the Ulysses Agm last week of March so I want to get the trailer out and run it in a bit

 

[Couch]

Three of my mates from here are also heading to the Ulysses AGM......they're all towing trailers!!

We normally get 3 weeks of around 40 -45 degrees in February, but its hardly poked its head above 32 all summer.
Enjoy ur ride Couch - I get 4 days off starting 8am Saturday and the weather looks like its gunna be nice and sunny so here's hoping the bike gets out for a few kms We are going to the Ulysses Agm last week of March so I want to get the trailer out and run it in a bit

 

[Sicman]

We are staying on a houseboat while there. Its got a fridge and spa so I think I know what i will be spending my time doing   Bugga - We need a relaxing in the spa emoticon thingy  :)

 

[Sicman]

Booked it 9 months ago so had no idea QLD's wet season would be in the middle of NSW this year 

 

[Biggles]

ahh well...the houseboat sounds like a great way to relax anyhow...you'll probably need the 'rest'

Cheers

Kev

And you'll be one of those laughing if it's still flooding   :)

Or maybe you'll be an ark with two of everything climbing on board   

[Shiney]

I hope you get some great riding weather this weekend mate, it sounds like you could do with taking the ST out for a good run

[Biggles]

I hope you get some great riding weather this weekend mate, it sounds like you could do with taking the ST out for a good run

You picked it- I definitely need to get away from this 'puter!