With higher than average rainfall predicted across the coming months, the State Emergency Service is encouraging Riverina residents to be prepared in case of flood events.
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SES Southern Zone Commander Nichole Priest said Wagga's proximity to the Murrumbidgee River meant many residents needed to have emergency plans in case of flood.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts higher rainfall this summer as a result of a La Nina weather pattern, and Ms Priest said there was an increased possibility of flood events.
"We'll certainly see rivers rise and we're seeing more water in the river system at the moment from the rain events we already had," she said.
"That always leaves a bit of a risk there in terms of more flooding events if there is a significant rain event or prolonged rain over those periods."
This summer will be the first since the upgrade of the main city levee, now designed to protect against a one in 100 year flood.
Wagga mayor Greg Conkey said the upgrade would assist much of the city as long as flooding did not go over that 1 in 100 year threshold.
"That should provide good safeguards for the CBD and other lower lying areas within the city," Cr Conkey said.
However, he said it was important to "keep close watch" on the conditions, with limited protection for the residents of North Wagga.
BOM operational climate services head Dr Andrew Watkins said La Nina was likely to remain until autumn, increasing flood risk for much of eastern Australia.
"This summer, New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland are expected to see above average rainfall, meaning we face an increased risk of widespread floods," Dr Watkins said.
The BOM predicts over a 70 per cent chance of above average rainfall across the Riverina.
Ms Priest said it was important for those living in risk areas to be prepared with an emergency plan.
"What we ask the community to do is know what your risk is, so talk to those around you, talk to the council about what's your individual flood risk and be prepared for that," she said.
"Think about what you would do if there was a flood, if you had to evacuate what would you take, where are your important documents and where would you go."
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Ms Priest said because of the coronavirus pandemic, the first port of call for evacuation should be friends and family, but the SES would still be able to assist with accommodation if needed.
She said local volunteers and local community response to emergencies would be as important as ever because of the pandemic, and the SES were always looking for new volunteers.
"Particularly the Wagga unit here is needing some new members," she said.
Information on flood preparation, response and recovery is available at ses.nsw.gov.au, along with information about volunteering.
If you require assistance during a storm or flood, call 132 500 and remember, never walk, ride or drive through flood waters.