Latest news with #Waddell
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Column: A grieving dad opens up about his veteran son's death by suicide
'My son,' he told me, 'should be on that wall also.' At the same time, as I found out later when Waddell and I connected via phone, the longtime North Aurora resident, who retired to Wisconsin in 2006, also understands why former U.S. Army Master Sgt. Michael Waddell's name is not included on the Illinois Fallen Wall among those who gave their lives in service to this country since 9/11. Death by suicide is far more complex. Far too hard to categorize in terms of cause and effect. And there are far too many. Twenty-two a day has been a call-to-action statistic, although the most recent data from the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (using 2022 numbers) puts it at 17.6 veterans committing suicide per day, which is significantly higher than among non-veteran adults. 'Can you imagine,' asked Waddell, 'how long a wall it would have to be to contain all of them?' And yes, when the Chris Patterson Memorial Foundation took over the Illinois Fallen Wall display a year ago, founder Bob Patterson – whose son, a West Aurora High School grad, was killed in 2012 in Afghanistan – noted some 'upset' feelings by loved ones grieving a suicide. But like Waddell, he noted, after some discussion they understood the reasoning behind the decision not to include those who took their own lives while in service or later. Still, the pain Waddell feels more than two years after his only child shot himself is palpable. It's a pain that needs acknowledging, as does his son's service to this country. After graduating in 1988 from West Aurora High School, Mike Waddell worked for a year in a warehouse, 'with no direction,' until his dad, a Marmion Academy graduate who worked for UPS, saw the names and addresses of those serving in the military printed in The Beacon-News, and encouraged his son to reach out to some and find out how they liked the experience. Because the feedback was positive, Mike enlisted in November of 1989, and spent the next 22 years in the U.S. Army, including two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where, according to his father, he suffered traumatic brain injury when his vehicle hit an IED. The younger Waddell retired as a master sergeant in 2011 and worked for the Army Corps of Engineers until shortly before his death in Jacksonville, North Carolina, according to his father, but struggled with PTSD, which eventually impacted his personality and relationships. Suffering from those invisible wounds, Mike became more verbally abusive, self-medicating on weed and wine, said Ron Waddell, adding that while his son would call the V.A. when 'having a bad day,' he never sought counseling, even with loved ones begging him to get help. With his 30-year marriage crumbling around him, said the elder Waddell, Mike used a gun to take his own life on May 8, 2023. 'As a child, he literally passed out when getting a shot,' recalled the father. 'Imagine the mental anguish he was going through' to end his life in this way. 'Had his mother been alive,' he continued, referring to his wife Andi's death in 2014 after a long battle with cancer, 'it would have killed her.' Waddell described their son as a 'good kid … a funny guy when he was not the way he was in the end.' And he was an excellent soldier, his father noted, referring to the many military commendations he received, as well as a flood of personal accolades from peers following his death. 'Your son was a good man … one of the best non-commissioned officers I have ever worked with,' wrote a fellow soldier who served twice with Mike during his service. While Mike Waddell's career meant most of his adult years were long distance from his dad, he was buried with full military honors at Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw, Wisconsin, just 15 minutes from Ron's home. And that gives a still-grieving father tremendous comfort knowing his son is 'finally at peace.' 'I can't emphasize enough how impressed and proud I was of him,' he told me. 'I have so many memories, all good.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Binghamton police arrest suspect in assault, robbery case
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – One suspect has been arrested, with another still at large following an alleged robbery and assault in the City of Binghamton over the weekend. 27-year-old Hamail Waddell has been arrested for his alleged role in what Binghamton Police say was an assault and robbery at 73 Morgan Rd in Binghamton on Saturday, May 24. Police say the investigation began on Saturday morning at approximately 7 a.m. when BPD received a report of a male victim at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital with facial injuries resulting from a suspected assault. Through investigation, police believe the woman who lives at 73 Morgan Rd woke up to two men in her room, Waddell and 27-year-old Tahjae Napolean of Endicott. BPD says the two assaulted the victim with a glass object and took property from the victim. Waddell is said to be the ex-boyfriend of the woman who lives there, and had an active Order of Protection against Waddell by the Broome County family court. Later that day, at around 2:40 p.m., Binghamton detectives located Waddell at 16 Jerome Ave, attempted to take him in, which allegedly was met with resistance. BPD says a responding officer assisting in the arrest broke several ribs in the attempt to arrest Waddell before he was apprehended. Waddell was notoriously arrested on New Year's Day 2023, which sparked protests and backlash against Binghamton Police after video of the incident appeared online due to an officer kneeling on Waddell's neck while Waddell was face down on the pavement, claiming that he couldn't breathe. Waddell received a conditional discharge for the arrest on New Year's Eve. Waddell was charged with: Robbery 1st Degree Burglary 1st Degree Burglary 2nd Degree Criminal Contempt 1st Degree Criminal Obstruction of Breathing The incident is still under investigation, and police are still looking for the second suspect, Tahjae Napolean. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau at (607) 772-7080. Supreme Court declines to hear student's bid to wear 'two genders' shirt to school TAKE 5 prize winning ticket worth $16k sold in Kirkwood Trump planning to sever remaining federal contracts with Harvard Corner Drug Store closing after 87 years Binghamton police arrest suspect in assault, robbery case Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Epoch Times
NSW Flood Toll Rises to Four as Another Body Found in Submerged Car
A body has been found after a car was discovered in floodwaters, increasing the death toll from a widespread and dangerous inundation to four. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was found about 30km northwest of Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast on Friday after a passing motorist noticed a vehicle had run off a main road. His identity is yet to be confirmed. He's the fourth person to die as a result of the floods in the region since May 22. In the past 24 hours, the SES has responded to 1535 calls for help, including 177 floodwater rescues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges Australians to exercise common sense as the rain event continues, given the circumstances of the man's death. 'These are horrific circumstances,' he told Triple M Newcastle radio. Related Stories 3/4/2025 5/21/2025 'That is a tragedy for them, for their families and for the local communities.' The prime minister and NSW Premier Chris Minns will visit flood-affected regions on Friday morning to see the disaster first-hand and thank members of the NSW State Emergency Service. 'Those people are once again showing that, at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character,' Albanese said. A slow-moving trough delivering intense rain will bring further heavy falls to parts of the NSW Hunter region, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, extending further south throughout Friday morning. A police officer driving a sedan was travelling with a 60-year-old woman in a 4WD when they came across water over a road near Dorrigo on Wednesday night, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said. The officer checked the water level, which was 'ankle deep', and told the woman he wasn't continuing and advised her to be cautious and not enter floodwaters. The woman phoned the officer 30 minutes later saying she was in trouble about 17km away, Waddell said. She was found dead inside the 4WD on Thursday. 'We're just encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters,' Waddell said. 'It is a really dangerous once-in-a-lifetime event and there's been some tragedies ... obviously the police officer who spoke to the woman is very traumatised.' Flooding is seen in Port Macquarie, New South Wales on May 22, 2025. A slow-moving trough is dumping rain along the east coast of Australia, leaving thousands of people stranded AAP Image/Lindsay Moller A 63-year-old man's body was earlier found on a flooded home's verandah at Moto. The body of a man believed to be in his 30s was found in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie on Wednesday. There are grave fears for another man who remains missing. All of the deaths will be reviewed by the coroner. Heavy falls potentially totalling 150mm in 24 hours could bring flash flooding at Goulburn and south to Bega, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. Disaster assistance from the state and commonwealth governments has been expanded, with 19 areas now eligible for support. The allowance will be available from Monday. Specialist disaster lawyers would provide free advice about rejected insurance claims, housing issues and assistance grants, Legal Aid NSW said. Additional emergency services personnel were travelling from Victoria to assist on Thursday night. The latest floods should prompt a rethink in disaster management to mitigate future events, Australian National University flood researcher Mahdi Sedighkia said. 'We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks,' Sedighkia said.
The Advertiser
23-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Fourth person dead as body discovered in floodwaters
A body has been found after a car was discovered in floodwaters, increasing the death toll from a widespread and dangerous inundation to four. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was found about 30km northwest of Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast on Friday after a passing motorist noticed a vehicle had run off a main road. His identity is yet to be confirmed. He's the fourth person to die as a result of the floods in the region since Thursday. In the past 24 hours, the SES has responded to 1535 calls for help, including 177 floodwater rescues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges Australians to exercise common sense as the rain event continues, given the circumstances of the man's death. "These are horrific circumstances," he told Triple M Newcastle radio. "That is a tragedy for them, for their families and for the local communities." The prime minister and NSW Premier Chris Minns will visit flood-affected regions on Friday morning to see the disaster first-hand and thank members of the NSW State Emergency Service. "Those people are once again showing that, at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character," Mr Albanese said. A slow-moving trough delivering intense rain will bring further heavy falls to parts of the NSW Hunter region, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, extending further south throughout Friday morning. A police officer driving a sedan was travelling with a 60-year-old woman in a 4WD when they came across water over a road near Dorrigo on Wednesday night, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said. The officer checked the water level, which was "ankle deep", and told the woman he wasn't continuing and advised her to be cautious and not enter floodwaters. The woman phoned the officer 30 minutes later saying she was in trouble about 17km away, Mr Waddell said. She was found dead inside the 4WD on Thursday. "We're just encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters," Mr Waddell said. "It is a really dangerous once-in-a-lifetime event and there's been some tragedies ... obviously the police officer who spoke to the woman is very traumatised." A 63-year-old man's body was earlier found on a flooded home's verandah at Moto. The body of a man believed to be in his 30s was found in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie on Wednesday. There are grave fears for another man who remains missing. All of the deaths will be reviewed by the coroner. Heavy falls potentially totalling 150mm in 24 hours could bring flash flooding at Goulburn and south to Bega, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. Disaster assistance from the state and commonwealth governments has been expanded, with 19 areas now eligible for support. The allowance will be available from Monday. Specialist disaster lawyers would provide free advice about rejected insurance claims, housing issues and assistance grants, Legal Aid NSW said. Additional emergency services personnel were travelling from Victoria to assist on Thursday night. The latest floods should prompt a rethink in disaster management to mitigate future events, Australian National University flood researcher Mahdi Sedighkia said. "We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks," Dr Sedighkia said. A body has been found after a car was discovered in floodwaters, increasing the death toll from a widespread and dangerous inundation to four. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was found about 30km northwest of Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast on Friday after a passing motorist noticed a vehicle had run off a main road. His identity is yet to be confirmed. He's the fourth person to die as a result of the floods in the region since Thursday. In the past 24 hours, the SES has responded to 1535 calls for help, including 177 floodwater rescues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges Australians to exercise common sense as the rain event continues, given the circumstances of the man's death. "These are horrific circumstances," he told Triple M Newcastle radio. "That is a tragedy for them, for their families and for the local communities." The prime minister and NSW Premier Chris Minns will visit flood-affected regions on Friday morning to see the disaster first-hand and thank members of the NSW State Emergency Service. "Those people are once again showing that, at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character," Mr Albanese said. A slow-moving trough delivering intense rain will bring further heavy falls to parts of the NSW Hunter region, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, extending further south throughout Friday morning. A police officer driving a sedan was travelling with a 60-year-old woman in a 4WD when they came across water over a road near Dorrigo on Wednesday night, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said. The officer checked the water level, which was "ankle deep", and told the woman he wasn't continuing and advised her to be cautious and not enter floodwaters. The woman phoned the officer 30 minutes later saying she was in trouble about 17km away, Mr Waddell said. She was found dead inside the 4WD on Thursday. "We're just encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters," Mr Waddell said. "It is a really dangerous once-in-a-lifetime event and there's been some tragedies ... obviously the police officer who spoke to the woman is very traumatised." A 63-year-old man's body was earlier found on a flooded home's verandah at Moto. The body of a man believed to be in his 30s was found in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie on Wednesday. There are grave fears for another man who remains missing. All of the deaths will be reviewed by the coroner. Heavy falls potentially totalling 150mm in 24 hours could bring flash flooding at Goulburn and south to Bega, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. Disaster assistance from the state and commonwealth governments has been expanded, with 19 areas now eligible for support. The allowance will be available from Monday. Specialist disaster lawyers would provide free advice about rejected insurance claims, housing issues and assistance grants, Legal Aid NSW said. Additional emergency services personnel were travelling from Victoria to assist on Thursday night. The latest floods should prompt a rethink in disaster management to mitigate future events, Australian National University flood researcher Mahdi Sedighkia said. "We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks," Dr Sedighkia said. A body has been found after a car was discovered in floodwaters, increasing the death toll from a widespread and dangerous inundation to four. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was found about 30km northwest of Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast on Friday after a passing motorist noticed a vehicle had run off a main road. His identity is yet to be confirmed. He's the fourth person to die as a result of the floods in the region since Thursday. In the past 24 hours, the SES has responded to 1535 calls for help, including 177 floodwater rescues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges Australians to exercise common sense as the rain event continues, given the circumstances of the man's death. "These are horrific circumstances," he told Triple M Newcastle radio. "That is a tragedy for them, for their families and for the local communities." The prime minister and NSW Premier Chris Minns will visit flood-affected regions on Friday morning to see the disaster first-hand and thank members of the NSW State Emergency Service. "Those people are once again showing that, at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character," Mr Albanese said. A slow-moving trough delivering intense rain will bring further heavy falls to parts of the NSW Hunter region, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, extending further south throughout Friday morning. A police officer driving a sedan was travelling with a 60-year-old woman in a 4WD when they came across water over a road near Dorrigo on Wednesday night, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said. The officer checked the water level, which was "ankle deep", and told the woman he wasn't continuing and advised her to be cautious and not enter floodwaters. The woman phoned the officer 30 minutes later saying she was in trouble about 17km away, Mr Waddell said. She was found dead inside the 4WD on Thursday. "We're just encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters," Mr Waddell said. "It is a really dangerous once-in-a-lifetime event and there's been some tragedies ... obviously the police officer who spoke to the woman is very traumatised." A 63-year-old man's body was earlier found on a flooded home's verandah at Moto. The body of a man believed to be in his 30s was found in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie on Wednesday. There are grave fears for another man who remains missing. All of the deaths will be reviewed by the coroner. Heavy falls potentially totalling 150mm in 24 hours could bring flash flooding at Goulburn and south to Bega, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. Disaster assistance from the state and commonwealth governments has been expanded, with 19 areas now eligible for support. The allowance will be available from Monday. Specialist disaster lawyers would provide free advice about rejected insurance claims, housing issues and assistance grants, Legal Aid NSW said. Additional emergency services personnel were travelling from Victoria to assist on Thursday night. The latest floods should prompt a rethink in disaster management to mitigate future events, Australian National University flood researcher Mahdi Sedighkia said. "We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks," Dr Sedighkia said. A body has been found after a car was discovered in floodwaters, increasing the death toll from a widespread and dangerous inundation to four. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was found about 30km northwest of Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast on Friday after a passing motorist noticed a vehicle had run off a main road. His identity is yet to be confirmed. He's the fourth person to die as a result of the floods in the region since Thursday. In the past 24 hours, the SES has responded to 1535 calls for help, including 177 floodwater rescues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urges Australians to exercise common sense as the rain event continues, given the circumstances of the man's death. "These are horrific circumstances," he told Triple M Newcastle radio. "That is a tragedy for them, for their families and for the local communities." The prime minister and NSW Premier Chris Minns will visit flood-affected regions on Friday morning to see the disaster first-hand and thank members of the NSW State Emergency Service. "Those people are once again showing that, at the worst of times, we see the best of the Australian character," Mr Albanese said. A slow-moving trough delivering intense rain will bring further heavy falls to parts of the NSW Hunter region, Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, extending further south throughout Friday morning. A police officer driving a sedan was travelling with a 60-year-old woman in a 4WD when they came across water over a road near Dorrigo on Wednesday night, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Waddell said. The officer checked the water level, which was "ankle deep", and told the woman he wasn't continuing and advised her to be cautious and not enter floodwaters. The woman phoned the officer 30 minutes later saying she was in trouble about 17km away, Mr Waddell said. She was found dead inside the 4WD on Thursday. "We're just encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters," Mr Waddell said. "It is a really dangerous once-in-a-lifetime event and there's been some tragedies ... obviously the police officer who spoke to the woman is very traumatised." A 63-year-old man's body was earlier found on a flooded home's verandah at Moto. The body of a man believed to be in his 30s was found in floodwaters west of Port Macquarie on Wednesday. There are grave fears for another man who remains missing. All of the deaths will be reviewed by the coroner. Heavy falls potentially totalling 150mm in 24 hours could bring flash flooding at Goulburn and south to Bega, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned. Disaster assistance from the state and commonwealth governments has been expanded, with 19 areas now eligible for support. The allowance will be available from Monday. Specialist disaster lawyers would provide free advice about rejected insurance claims, housing issues and assistance grants, Legal Aid NSW said. Additional emergency services personnel were travelling from Victoria to assist on Thursday night. The latest floods should prompt a rethink in disaster management to mitigate future events, Australian National University flood researcher Mahdi Sedighkia said. "We are clearly witnessing a marked increase in both the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need to reassess how we understand and manage flood risks," Dr Sedighkia said.
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Perth Now
NSW floods death toll rises to three, one missing
Three people have now been confirmed dead, and one remains missing in the catastrophic flooding that has devastated large parts of New South Wales. The body of the third person, a woman aged in her 60s, was recovered in a vehicle in floodwaters west of Coffs Harbour, police confirmed on Thursday afternoon, while emergency crews continue search and rescue efforts for the fourth. Speaking from Newcastle police station, Northern Region Commander assistant commissioner David Waddell said the woman had been driving back from Sydney, detouring off the Pacific Highway M1, and had received a convoy from a police officer part of the way. He said the the officer was forced to turn back when the water-lashed roads became too dangerous for his vehicle, a BMW. The woman continued on driving for about 30 minutes before calling for help. 'She was in a four-wheel drive,' Mr Waddell said. 'She continued for about another 17km, about 30 minutes later was when she got into trouble. That water was obviously faster flowing and deeper.' Mr Waddell said by the time emergency services arrived she could not be found, describing the situation as 'a tragic circumstance'. He said the woman's family had been notified and the officer involved was 'traumatised' by the incident and was being wrapped in support services. 'From our point of view, we are encouraging people, please do not enter these floodwaters,' Mr Waddell said. 'It is a really dangerous, once-in-a-lifetime event and there has been some tragedies [with] these deaths.' The first victim of the flood crisis has been identified as 63-year-old Moto farmer David Knowles, who heroically stayed behind at his property near Taree to protect his cattle as floodwaters rose. Rescuers reportedly reached the home by boat on Wednesday, but Mr Knowles chose to remain with his dog and livestock. His body was later found on the verandah. Authorities believe existing medical conditions may have contributed to his death. A second body was found in floodwaters on the Mid North Coast, after the man in his 30s became trapped while driving near Rosewood, west of Wauchope, on Wednesday night. Emergency crews were unable to locate him during an overnight search, but his body was discovered around 8am Thursday. Emergency crews are bracing for more heartbreak as the weather system slowly tracks south and rescue operations stretch into a fourth day. NSW Premier Chris Minns is warning residents to brace for more heartbreak, saying the deadly crisis is far from over. 'We are not out of the woods yet,' he said. 'There is a massive amount of rain still falling on the north coast. They are a resilient community, but they will have to ride out what has been a terrible 48 hours.' NSW SES crews are winching people to safety from rooftops and surging rivers. Credit: NCA NewsWire Mr Minns confirmed more than 140 flood warnings had been issued statewide, including 34 emergency alerts for local communities. More than 500 rescues have been carried out in just over two days, many of them preventable. 'About 30 per cent of those rescues were due to people deciding to drive through floodwaters,' he said. 'Unfortunately, the community will have to brace for more bad news,' Mr Minns said when asked about the missing people. 'This will be a difficult few days.' In the past 24 hours alone, the SES has responded to more than 4809 incidents — including 610 flood rescues — with support from PolAir and the Australian Defence Force. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said news of the deaths were 'devastating'. 'The thoughts of all Australians are with their loved ones and the community at this time,' he said, Flooding is seen around Short Street in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Thursday, May 22, 2025. Credit: Lindsay Moller / AAPIMAGE In Taree, dozens of familes have been pulled from rooftops while hundreds more were evacuated as rivers peaked above historic 2021 levels. In Bellingen, 337mm of rain was recorded in just 24 hours. Coffs Harbour, 321mm. Macleay River, 329mm. 'If you are under an emergency warning currently and it is safe to do so, I need you to evacuate now,' NSW SES commissioner Mike Wassing said. 'I cannot stress enough that it is important to heed the warnings of evacuations. We've already seen over the past few nights rescue conditions being difficult and dangerous, particularly at nightfall. Flooding is seen in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Thursday, May 22, 2025. Credit: Lindsay Moller / AAPIMAGE Natural Hazards Research Australia chief executive Andrew Gissing said the flooding was the worst on record for the area, describing the deluge as a one-in-500-year event. There have been more than 40 rescue teams active between the Hunter and Coffs Harbour. 'Our volunteers and partner agencies are working around the clock, prioritising rescues and getting help to those who need it most,' SES assistant commissioner Storey said. 'We've seen a large number of calls for assistance, and we are doing everything we can to reach people as quickly and safely as possible.' Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain confirmed the activation of the Disaster Recovery Allowance for four hard-hit local government areas: Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Dungog and MidCoast Council. The allowance provides up to 13 weeks of income support for individuals unable to work due to the disaster. Australian Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain speaks to the media during a press conference in the National Situation Room in Canberra, Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING Credit: LUKAS COCH / AAPIMAGE Evacuation centres have been set up at locations including Dungog RSL Club, Club Gloucester, Club Taree, Manning Point Bowling Club, Wingham RSL, Bulahdelah Golf Club, Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, Kempsey Showground, and Panthers Port Macquarie. Meanwhile, major supermarkets have flagged potential food shortages in isolated areas. The National Coordination Mechanism has been activated to coordinate logistics and resupply efforts. 'With a number of communities along the Mid North Coast remaining on flood watch, we're continuing to closely monitor conditions and the advice of authorities to ensure the safety of our team and customers,' a Woolworths spokesperson said. Authorities are addressing concerns over food shortages in isolated communities through the National Coordination Mechanism, with major supermarket chains already in contact with Federal officials. The state and federal governments have activated disaster assistance for 16 local government areas, covering emergency accommodation, essential items, grants for uninsured residents, and funding for councils, businesses, and producers to help them recover. Dozens of people have opened GoFundMe accounts to begin piecing their lives back together. Among them are Troy and Seeana, a family of seven, who thought they'd found their dream home. But as floodwaters surged through each level of their three-storey house, the family clambered onto the roof, waiting to be winched to safety by SES crews. Now, like so many others, they're left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Port Macquarie Airport has been closed. More than 145 schools were shut on Thursday. And despite forecasts showing the intense weather system beginning to track south, the danger isn't over. Friday will be pivotal, as meteorologists finally begin to see a shift in the weather pattern that should ease the intensity of rainfall across NSW. The system is sliding southward, with some of that moisture expected to push inland. The Bureau of Meteorology's latest update warns of a further 80mm to 120mm possible over 24 hours across much of the Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands. The heavy rainfall is expected to shift south on Friday morning, gradually easing conditions in the worst-hit areas. For the latest warnings and evacuation advice, visit the SES website or the Bureau of Meteorology.
