Major flooding in Namoi Valley prompts evacuations from Narrabri to Wee Waa, New South Wales, Australia

Major flooding affected communities in the Namoi Valley of New South Wales, where emergency services responded to rapidly rising water levels in Narrabri and Wee Waa. River systems exceeded major flood thresholds following several days of intense rainfall across the region.

On the evening of August 7, Narrabri Creek reached 7.1 m (23.3 feet), exceeding the major flood level of 6.7 m (22 feet).

The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) issued emergency warnings and urged immediate evacuation of vulnerable areas, including Namoi Street, Selina Street, Cameron Park, Huxley Street, and the industrial estate.

At least 16 locations were under immediate evacuation warnings on August 6, while three locations were under a shelter now warning. Residents in areas including Narrabri Industrial Estate, Narrabri Racecourse were under and Evacuate Before Warning; urging residents to evacuate the area before 14:00 LT on August 6.

An emergency warning was previously issued for people in the Narrabri Caravan Park to evacuate before 19:00 LT on August 5.

In Wee Waa, flooding was forecast to affect the town by the night of August 6. The town prepared for possible isolation, with local services disrupted and key roads closed, including the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri–Wee Waa and Boggabri–Gunnedah. Emergency responders implemented medical contingencies, deployed extended care paramedics, and arranged temporary relocation for maternity cases.

Access to affected areas was heavily restricted. The SES reinforced warnings to avoid floodwaters and prepare for extended isolation. School transport was limited to routes within the town levees, and community services were adapted to emergency conditions.

The wider Namoi River system had been under watch for several days following widespread rainfall across northern New South Wales.

Since early August, the Bureau of Meteorology and the NSW SES had issued major flood warnings for catchments in the Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes.

NSW SES has received more than 4 800 calls and responded to 2 505 incidents, including 39 flood rescues due to the severe weather this month. They have also deployed over 2 220 volunteers across the state and mobilized helicopters and high clearance vehicles to deal with the situation.

As of August 7, no fatalities had been reported. Authorities warned that conditions could change rapidly and escalate without notice.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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