Coffs Harbour hit with 505mm

Cars battled with floodwater on Saturday.

Leigh Jensen

STAGGERING rainfall figures are being reported along the Coffs Coast.

At the height of the downpour during the high tide mark around midnight Friday, 354mm of rain was dumped on the Coffs Harbour CBD in just six hours.

In 24 hours, more than half a metre of rain was recorded.

As roads were cut all over the Local Government Area, it appears the hardest hit region was once again the Coffs Creek run-offs and tributaries around Bray St.

Witnesses say up to 1.5 metres of water filled the carpark at the rear of the Greenhouse Tavern which lead to vehicles reportedly floating across the flooded expanse.

During the worst six-hour period, 328mm fell at Red Hill and 392mm at Harbour Drive.

“We closed Harbour Drive at around 10pm because we didn’t want to see those idiots driving through for a look creating bow waves that flood shops and businesses,” said Coffs Harbour mayor Keith Rhoades.

“We’re becoming experienced at this, if I can use that word.

“In fact many people, including Council, were very proactive. The first 60 jobs the SES responded to were people coming and getting sandbags.”

Do you have photos of the flooding?  Email them to editorial@finda.com.au.

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