Flood alerts and how to respond

Understand the 3 levels of flood alerts

There are 3 levels of flood alerts. They form part of the Australian Warning System.

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Advice (Yellow)

The threat of flood has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

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Watch and Act (Orange)

There is a heightened level of threat of flood. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

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Emergency Warning (Red)

An Emergency Warning is the highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

Flood terms and what they mean

The Bureau of Meteorology and local agencies use flood terms in their alerts and updates. It is important to know what each term means and what you need to do in each situation according to the risk of flooding and your flood plan.

Minor flooding

Low-lying areas may be covered with water, minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged.

Moderate flooding

Main traffic routes may be covered with water.  Evacuation of some houses may be required.

Major flooding

Major inundation of water over a large area. Properties and towns are likely to be isolated and major traffic routes likely to be closed. Evacuation of people from flood-affected areas may be required.

Local flooding

Intense rainfall could be expected to cause high runoff in a limited area, local to the rainfall.

Flash flooding

Flooding occurring in less than 6 hours of rain, usually the result of intense local rain causing rapid rises in water levels.

Coastal flooding

Sea level rise during storms can lead to coastal erosion. This can damage buildings, infrastructure, and be a danger to people.

Ways to stay informed

• Find your local ABC radio station. Use a battery-operated radio, as power or mobile networks may be affected.
• For flood advice and warnings, download the Hazards Near Me app and visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
• Check the roads to plan a safe evacuation. Visit the Live Traffic NSW website, and download the Live Traffic app for iOS or Android.
• You may receive automatic alert messages to your mobile or landline phone. You do not need to register for these alerts, but you should not rely solely on these messages to make a decision to act.

Remember to stay in touch with family, friends and neighbours. Let them know where you are and share important updates with them.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment

Contact the National Relay Service (NRS):

• TTY users phone 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 679 737
• Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 679 737
• Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 1800 679 737
• Report a fire or emergency (TTY users only) through TTY 106.