Fierce storms on Monday in the Yass Valley Shire caused severe flooding in town and surrounding areas. The township of Yass experienced flash flooding on Monday afternoon and night due to intense storms throughout the entire day on Monday, with over 60mm of rain recorded in some areas. The downpour of rain was heightened by the fact there had been copious amounts of rain in the region over recent months, meaning catchments and rivers are at capacity.

The Bureau of Metrology (BOM) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds at 6.48 pm on Monday. It wasn’t just suburban areas or the outskirts of town that experienced flooding, but the main street of Comur Street received a deluge of rain, causing flooding and water going into shops.

Comur Street businesses hit with flash flooding: Photo SES

A spokesperson from the Yass ValleyCouncil gave advice for residents in the area regarding the recent floods in town.“We’ve obviously got more rain forecast this week as well. What the SES is reiterating, if it’s flooded, forget it. Don’t drive through flood waters,” the Yass Valley Council spokesperson said.

Yass main street flooded – Photo from video by Mandy Carter

“We are urging people to reconsider any need for travel, especially when the rain is quite heavy and areas are flooding. We’ve got a lot of low crossings closing as well.“ In preparation for more flooding, contact SES for sandbags and any emergency help with water damage to homes. In life-threatening situations, obviously call 000.“Report any damages to roads and amenities. We’re asking people to email us atcouncil@yass.nsw.gov.auor to give us a call, and we can log a service request.

Flat Rock crossing access road closed: Photo Jasmin Jones

“We know there’s more rain coming, so we’re just bracing ourselves for the next rain. Then once we assess everything, we’ll know more on the scale of the damage. Some of the most affected areas in town included the main street, as well as church Street.“

Around the area, the Murrumbateman township copped the rain quite badly as well as the surrounding farm areas too.

“Gundaroo was really bad as well, there’s been quite a lot of flooding out there. All of the rain from Gundaroo only has one place to go, and it’s Yass River, and it usually ends up in Yass at some point.“

“We’re expecting the rains from Gundaroo to to be flowing down, and it will eventually hit Yass. We’ll have to keep an eye out on Yass River. Obviously, the river is flooded again and the water is quite high up at the moment.”

The NSW SES Yass Unit also provided a statement on Tuesday.

“In preparation for further rain tonight and during the next few days, a sandbag point is being established,” the Yass SES Unit stated.

“Please take care around the area, there is water across the roads in a number of locations. We have received significant rain that has caused flash flooding.“

“Remember, please do not drive or enter flood water as there are many hidden dangers. If you require assistance, call the SES on132 500.

Sandbags will be available from approximately 11:30 pm, at the rear of 223 ComurStreet in Yass (across the road from the bowling Club). As of Monday night, 31 October at 8pm the following roads in the area were closed: Flooded Road Crossings – CLOSED Low-Level Yass, Booths crossing (Yass River road) Black Range Road – detour via CommonRoad, Back creek road, Tallagandra lane, Laverstock road, Murrumbateman road (just past Dicks Creek road), Sutton Road (low-level crossing Sutton)Nanima road (low-level crossing) Wargeila road, Yass River – various sites, Greenwood Road, Lucernvale Road, Childowla Road, Shingle Hill Way and East Tallagandra Lane. Crews are also clearing a large number of fallen trees across the LGA, they will continue to clear these as they are reported. Sporting grounds across the Yass Valley are closed until at least Friday or further notice, including the heavily impacted Walker Park.

Yass dam overflowing – Photo Judith Perkins

“Crews are out at the moment inspecting roads and reopening crossings if we have to. We’re getting a lot of calls about fallen trees, so that’s what our crews are doing most of this week.”For up-to-date road closures and flood updates, visit https://yassvalley.nsw.gov.au/our-council/news/article/1615.

Tim Warren