News

What is happening:

A coastal trough has developed overnight bringing heavy rain to parts of NSW coast. The highest falls have been in the Barrington Tops area with 118mm at Upper Chichester and 105mm at Mt Barrington. There was also heavy rain the Illawarra, with 102mm at Brogers Creek. The highest in Sydney was 36mm at Frenchs Forest.

The BoM have advised that widespread rainfall will occur today in Newcastle, the Lower Hunter and the Central Coast from early Wednesday. These areas are expected to see some intense bursts of rain creating potentially dangerous conditions with localised flash flooding.

What we are expecting:

The BoM have advised that today 100mm to 200mm is expected over the Severe Weather Warning area, with some locations possibly receiving more than 200mm, with areas of dangerous localised flash flooding.  River flooding may develop later Wednesday. Low lying bridges and causeways may be affected and become impassable.

Further rain is expected on Thursday, easing on Friday, with Sydney experiencing rain, but this rain not likely to be intense.

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 the NSW SES is doing:

• The NSW SES has received 30 calls for emergency help across the Sydney Metro, Illawarra, Central Coast and Hunter Regions. These are mostly leaking roofs and minor damage.
• Flood rescue technicians have been located at SES Units near known flash flood hotspots. SES volunteers in affected areas are on standby to assist as required.
• Sandbags are available at some SES Units (Dungog, Maitland, Singleton and Newcastle City) or you can purchase at your local hardware store.
• The NSW SES has a helicopter on standby in Maitland.

What you can 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.
• Low lying roads and causeways may be affected. Plan your journey and consider alternate routes or arrangements if roads are blocked. Delay non-essential travel in heavy rain.
• If your property is affected by flash flooding, consider preparing sandbags now. These can be purchased from hardware stores. (There may be SES Units or Councils with collection points – listen to your local radio or check local SES social media).
• Clean gutters and downpipes, and ensure drains around your property are clear.
• Check your roof is in good repair.
• 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.

How to help:

• You can help your community as a spontaneous volunteer. It’s easy to register on the NSW SES website (Click the volunteer tab in the top right) and if we require your help you will be contacted.
• You can also help by being prepared and helping friends and neighbours who might need assistance, especially the elderly or those with a disability.

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.