NSW SES crews attend to a fallen tree on Tuesday. Photo: @NSWSES/X
More than 1200 NSW SES volunteers have responded to more than 2800 calls for help (so far) as severe weather continued to lash the NSW coast.
Power has been cut, rail and air services disrupted with wind gusts of up to 130kmh reported.
Amid 34 current warnings, seven of them emergencies, authorities are warning residents about flash flooding; as of Wednesday lunch (Brisbane time), there had been seven flood rescues, all in the Illawarra-South Coast regions.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall have downed trees, damaged properties and flooded roads, the service says.
NSW SES acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman says flash flooding is a significant risk with this weather system and wants drivers to be cautious if they are on the roads.
“These incidents are a timely reminder that roads are slippery, and conditions can become dangerous quickly,” she says.
“Please never drive, walk or play in floodwaters. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.”
Residents have been advised to stay indoors, at home and prepare for power, water and other disruptions.
Damage on the NSW Central Coast. Photo: @NSWSES/X
FLOOD THREAT
The SES says minor to moderate flooding is possible in coastal catchments and in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued an initial minor to moderate flood warning for the Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers at Menangle and Camden, and an initial minor flood warning for the St Georges Basin at Sussex Inlet.
Assistant Commissioner Flaxman urges those living in low-lying areas to know their flood risk and have a plan in place.
“That means understanding what you will do if your area floods and where you will go if you need to evacuate,” she says.
“We also remind community members to keep clear of fallen trees and powerlines as our crews work to clean up storm damage.”
She says personnel, high clearance vehicles and aircraft have been deployed to affected areas.
Emergency warnings were issued for Burrill Lake − where about 200 homes were hit by flooding, some of them to over floor level − and Sanctuary Point.
Most rescues in around Shoalhaven overnight involved fallen trees, powerlines and damaged roofs, the SES says.
Residents of a reported 40 Wamberal and North Entrance homes were asked to evacuate due to swells which damaged properties and homes; volunteers door-knocked to ask residents to evacuate before the high tide, the service says.
WEATHER SYSTEM
As the coastal low heads south from Newcastle towards Sydney, the Illawarra and South Coast, rainfall totals reached 150mm overnight; falls of more than 200mm were recorded at Ulladulla.
Severe weather is forecast to continue throughout today then ease tomorrow (Thursday) as the low moves east into the Tasman Sea.
For assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
