A Casino resident who works in Lismore had a shock today when her car was caught in rising river water and left partially submerged. It was one of three cars still parked in the Hensley Carpark near Colemans Bridge this morning in the rising Wilsons River.

The woman’s boyfriend, Nathan, arrived in the carpark earlier this afternoon to see what he could do, while his girlfriend was at work, but the car was unable to be started.

See the video https://www.facebook.com/LismoreApp/videos/208263816886627/

Nathan said his girlfriend had parked the car in the Hensley carpark near Colemans Bridge. 

She had told him that she had parked in the carpark about 9.30am this morning and there was no water in the carpark. Her boss had checked it at 10am and the police checked again at 11am - and everything was still fine.

But by the time she got down here about 12pm, the car doors were already under water.

He said his girlfriend had started it up to take the electric handbrake off and managed to drive it to its location under the bridge, when the car conked out.

Nathan said his girlfriend had been advised by the insurance company to leave the car where it was.

An initial flood warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology has advised that the Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.20 metres) this afternoon.

The river level may reach around 7.00 metres early Friday with minor flooding.

NSW SES Lismore Unit have advised that if this flooding does happen, Simes Bridge may go under sometime tonight. 

“Take some time today, double check your flood plan and keep this in mind when planning travel,” the SES advise.

“Farmers need to consider moving stock to higher ground if it is appropriate and safe to do so.

“Keep in mind this is something that may happen. It all depends on how much rain we get in the catchment area. 

River view from Riverside Park.

“The main thing now is to be prepared, stay informed and be safe.”

For Warnings: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

For information on how to prepare: https://tinyurl.com/qok4xaq

River view from behind Spinx Park

River view from River FM radio station in South Lismore.