Update 16 November 2022 (1.00pm) 
Current River height: 9.08m and steady
Rainfall: This week’s forecast looks favourable, however, expecting further showers/rain on the weekend.
Predicted River Peak: The BOM website advice was that Hay was expecting a peak of 9.2m today. We anticipate further peaks over the next few weeks. The 1974 peak was 9.02 and the 2012 peak was 8.99m. We are prepared for the current peak level, with crews sandbagging as required and topping up levees if needed. Crews have been busy today undertaking localised levee works, as well as out at Maude.
Flood Levee: Closed off 27 flood gates and have 39 pumps in Hay and 2 pumps in Maude set up accordingly to remove any water from rainfall. Flood gates and drainage pipes will be continued to be closed as the river level rises. We ask for patience as staff start pumps to remove water built up from any rainfall, especially if have there is short sharp rainfall event.
Council crews: Continuing to monitor the levees and inspecting known hot spots, and have staff patrolling 24hrs a day. You will continue to notice Council staff patrolling the town, checking and running pumps.
Water levels in both Booligal and Maude are being monitored and assistance provided where required. The water is steadily rising in Maude with levee raising works now complete. There are empty sandbags available in front of the store and the sand is located near Short Street for residents of Maude to use.
We are expecting large inflows from the lower Mirrool Creek and Lachlan River over the coming days and weeks. Staff will undertake some reconnaissance and checks in Booligal area tomorrow.

Road Closures:
The following roads are closed due to water over road, however local residents can still access with caution;
Old Thelangerin Road
Alma Road
Daisy Plains Road
Booligal Gunbar Road
Boxyards Road
Nap Nap Road
Hay Weir Road
Ti-Tree Road
Sidonia Road
Lara Road
Romani Road
Jerilderie Road
Murrumbidgee River Road

Water over road Drive with Caution;
Midwestern Highway
West Burrabogie Road
Glenhope Road

Closed to all traffic:
The Maude Road between Hay and Maude is closed.
The Maude Road is closed between the Sturt Highway and Maude Township.
Cobb Highway north of Booligal is closed.
The Sturt Highway is closed from Darlington Point to Gum Creek (approximately 30km’s west of Darlington Point)
The Sturt Highway is also closed to Balranald.

We remind people to drive to the conditions and that water can create hidden hazards on the roads.
If you require flood assistance please contact SES on 132 500.
Please do not attempt to cross or drive through floodwaters or along/across the top of the levee bank system.
Please only rely on official advice provided by the SES and/or Hay Shire Council.
Council will provide regular updates as further information comes to hand.

Again, a big thank you to the Hay Shire Community, volunteers, SES, RFS, FRNSW and Police for their assistance in keeping the community safe. Your efforts filling and distributing sandbags is most appreciative.