The current flood level is 3.8 metres at Nowra Bridge as of 10:13 am this morning and the Bureau predicts it will be around 4 metres by 3 pm.

Shoalhaven City Council acting environmental services manager Isabelle Ghetti said Nowra, Terara, Shoalhaven Heads and Greenwell Point were all affected with the situation expected to worsen throughout the day.

“The first flood warning for the river was issued last night by the bureau at 11pm with regular updates through the night predicting a worsening flood situation,” Ms Ghetti said.

“The Shoalhaven Heads notch which is maintained to facilitate entrance break outs under such conditions was surveyed recently and was at the required maintenance level of 2m AHD.

“Council is sending a contractor on site to attempt to breach the entrance subject to satisfactory safety requirements for the operators”

Ms Ghetti reminded local residents not to drive through water and to avoid contact with floodwaters.

SES controller Mark Kielly said crews were still working on flood models and details, but it was shaping up to be the same peak as floods two years ago.

“So far our modelling shows Terara will peak at 4pm at a height of 3.3 metres,” he said.

“We’ve got about 50 volunteers out in the field all over the place, but the main message is don’t walk, drive or ride through floodwater. If you don’t have to go out don’t,” he said.

If you need help from the SES phone 13 25 00.

The Shoalhaven Emergency Operations Centre has been activated, offering the SES more funding for resources.

Shoalhaven City Council is continuing to work closely with local emergency service organisations to overcome the current flash flooding and stormwater overflows throughout the area.

The EOC remains open with representatives from council, Shoalhaven Water, SES, RFS, NSW Police, Energy, Welfare and the Department of Primary Industries in attendance.

With flood waters affecting the entire Shoalhaven, council has staff in the field reporting on road conditions and placing signs while the SES have crews all over the area.

These include – Level Three Flood Technicians at – Shoalhaven Heads (two teams), Nowra (two teams), St Georges Basin (two teams), Flood Rescue team at Sussex Inlet.

SES teams are also currently in various locations within –  Bay and Basin area (five teams) and Nowra area (six teams).

A number of Fire and Rescue teams are also in the field with members from outside the area having come to assist the effort.

The Bureau of Meteorology still has a major flood warning for St Georges Basin with flash flooding still taking place throughout the area.

The following areas are still experiencing localised flooding – Shoalhaven Heads, Greenwell Point, Bay and Basin area and Sussex Inlet.

Council is working closely with a contractor to open the Shoalhaven River to the ocean at Shoalhaven Heads on the low tide.

​