Nowra has time and again fallen victim to the ravages of flood, and although there is no detailed record found for 1842, it is thought to be the earliest known flood on the Shoalhaven River following settlement.
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A further flood in 1852 was also mentioned, however no record of its severity was ever noted.
Between 1860 and 1999 the worst flood recorded at Nowra came in April 1870, when a depth of 6.5 metres was recorded, taking with it the township of Terara.
Shoalhaven News described the flood which washed away the township of Terara, which had five hotels, a bank, several general stores, two doctors, a chemist, several churches and various sporting facilities were washed away.
“...and when the first streak of dawn did appear an awful sight was unfolded...such as sad and mournful picture beheld, and we hope never to look upon the like again.”
After this, Terara was abandoned in favour of Nowra, with many residents relocating to higher ground.
The population at the time was 243, across the following decade, that figure rose to 886.
Flood water depth recorded at Nowra 1860 – 1999.
- February 1860 – 5.7m
- June 1864 – 5.2m
- April 1867 – 5m
- June 1867 – 5.1m
- March 1870 – 5.5m
- April 1870 – 6.5m
- May 1871 – 4.5m
- February 1873 6.2m
- June 1891 – 5.3m
- February 1898 – 5m
- July 1900 – 4.4m
- July 1904 – 3.7m
- January 1911 – 3.6m
- October 1916 – 5.3m
- December 1920 – 4.2m
- July 1922 – 4.2m
- May 11, 1925 – 5.4m
- May 27, 1925 – 4.4m
- June 1949 – 4m
- February 1956 – 4.6m
- October 1959 – 4.7m
- March 1961 – 4.2m
- November 1961 – 4.2m
- June 1964 – 3.5m
- August 1974 – 4.9m
- June 1975 – 4.9m
- October 1976 – 4.1m
- March 1978 5.3m
- April 1988 – 4.8m
- August 1990 – 4.3m
- June 1991 – 4m
- October 1999 – 3.5m
