IN just three days, more than 300 millimetres of rain fell across the Markwell Valley last week, resulting in flash flooding and roads being cut.

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The heaviest falls were recorded at Cabbage Tree Mountain, where 217 millimetres of rain fell in the 24 hours to 9am on 22 March, a new record for the site which began operating in 2002.

On the same day, Bulahdelah picked up 99 millimetres of rainfall and Crawford River was soaked with 103 millimetres.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said the deluge was due to a low-pressure trough which moved slowly along the NSW Coast, bringing storms and persistent rain to the local region.

“Many locations saw close to their monthly March rainfall fall last week,” they said.

Property owners welcomed the downpour which filled their empty tanks.

But as dusty paddocks were replaced with water views, many low-lying bridges and causeways became impassable.

The BoM said a lengthy spell of dry weather had left river catchments dry, meaning the water drained fairly quickly resulting in only minor flooding.

Data collected by the BoM shows the Myall River peaked just below six metres at Markwell in the early hours of last Thursday morning and three metres at Bulahdelah, which was just below the minor flood level.

The Karuah River at Booral also swelled, peaking at six metres.

With water swamping bridges, the SES issued a timely reminder, advising residents to avoid entering floodwaters.

“If a road is closed due to flooding, it’s not worth the risk,” they said.

According to the BoM, the average March rainfall for Bulahdelah is 161 millimetres and 139 millimetres at Crawford River.