NSW State Emergency Service (SES) staff are on standby in Queanbeyan today (March 23) in preparation of potential flash flooding along the Queanbeyan and Molonglo rivers.

The area is on a minor flood watch and is expected to experience about 80mm of rainfall. NSW SES predict that there will be local road closures or dangerous low level crossings at Oaks Estate, Morisset Street bridge and pedestrian bridge, as well as Briars Sharrow. There is also an increased danger at Angle Crossing and Nerriga Road, Nerriga.

Flooded roads and fast moving waters are highly dangerous for motorists and pedestrians, and complacency can kill, says local commander of the NSW SES units, Robert Cunneen.

“We ask people to remember, roadways can become unstable when impacted by flooding; while fast flowing water in creeks, rivers and other water courses are highly hazardous for people and livestock,” the chief inspector says. 

“This flood watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks should closely monitor the latest weather forecasts and avoid taking unnecessary risks, such as entering into flood waters.”

Both the Googong and Captains Flat dams have also reached 100 per cent capacity with water spilling over into their spillways.

The NSW State Emergency Service can be contacted on 132 500. Always call 000 in a life threatening emergency.