News

What is happening:

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), a coastal trough will develop along the central parts of the coast during Tuesday evening, bringing widespread rainfall to Newcastle, the Lower Hunter and the Central Coast from early Wednesday. These areas will see some very intense bursts of rain creating dangerous conditions with localised flash flooding.

What we are expecting:

From 100mm to 200mm is expected over the warning area during Wednesday, with some locations possibly receiving more than 200mm.

A Severe Weather Warning http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN21037.shtml for heavy rainfall is current.

A Flood Watch http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDN36503.html has been issued for the following river systems.

• Manning River (minor flooding)
• Wallis Lake (local flooding)
• Myall River (local flooding)
• Karuah River (local flooding)
• Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River (minor flooding)
• Newcastle Area (local flooding)
• Paterson and Williams Rivers (minor flooding)
• Central Coast (local flooding)
• Lake Macquarie (local flooding)

What you need to do:

People who live and work in areas affected by the Flood Watch should act now to lift pumps and equipment and relocate livestock and agisted animals to higher ground. If isolation is likely, stock up now on food, fuel medicine and other essential items.

If your property is affected by flash flooding, consider preparing sandbags now. These can be purchased from hardware stores. Clean gutters and downpipes, and ensure drains around your property are clear.

When heavy rain commences, park your car away from areas that might flood, never drive through floodwaters and keep your children indoors away from flooded areas. Playing in floodwater is dangerous as debris, strong currents, stormwater inlets and culverts may not be visible under floodwater.

Who to call:

If you require emergency help due to flooding call the NSW SES on 132 500. Call 000 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

Listen to your local radio station for updates and advice.

For road closures go to https://www.livetraffic.com/desktop.html or call 131 701 or check your local Council’s website.