Flood information & cameras

Council plays a key role in supporting the lead agency, NSW SES, during flood events by helping keep our community informed.

On this page, you’ll find useful links and information about the Macleay River and current local conditions.

We also outline the actions Council takes when flooding is expected or occurring, so you can better understand how we prepare and respond and how you can stay safe and prepared.

Emergency help

For emergency help in a flood or severe storm, phone the SES on 132 500.

Latest Council news

For Council news on emergencies, go to our Council news & updates page.

Road and bridge closures

When water is over the bridge deck, the road is closed and any 'road closed' signs should be obeyed. After the flood, the road will not be reopened until Council staff have inspected the bridge and cleared any debris.

To find out the status of roads, visit Live Traffic NSW.

Flood cameras and monitoring

See footage of Kempsey Traffic Bridge, Sherwood Bridge, Bellbrook Bridge and Turners Flat Bridge as well information on the Clybucca monitoring network.

What to do before, during and after a flood

Visit the SES website for a list of actions to take before, during and after a flood or severe storm.

Rainfall and river conditions

Links to data on the latest rainfall and river conditions.

Flood mitigation infrastructure

Find out more about the flood mitigation infrastructure including flood gates and flood relief gates.

Flood warnings and terminology

Learn about the Bureau of Meteorology's flood warning service and terminology.

Flood studies

Links to information and documents on local flood studies.

Background of Macleay River floodplain risk management

The configuration of the Macleay catchment is practically suited to the production of high peak flood flows. Following major rain storms the Macleay River at Kempsey may rise from a normal dry weather discharge of about 56m³/sec to 14,160m³/sec (the estimated discharge of the August 1949 flood) within a 30-hour period.

Several significant floods may occur in a short period of time, as was the case in the periods between 1863-75 and 1890-93, and 2009-2013. In 1949 and 1950 Kempsey experienced the two worst floods ever recorded, within eight months of each other.

For more information click this link.

Life stories of the Macleay in flood

Explore the powerful history and community resilience of Kempsey in Life Stories of the Macleay in Flood, a short film by Kempsey Shire Council, funded by the NSW Reconstruction Authority. Through vivid personal accounts, this film brings to life the challenges and strength of the Macleay Valley community in the face of devastating floods, from the historical floods of 1949 and 1963 to the more recent events in 2021 and 2022.