News

With severe weather expected from today (Friday 30 October) through to the weekend, NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is encouraging communities to get ready.

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised severe thunderstorms are on the cards Friday into Saturday, bringing with them the risk of heavy rain, large hail, and flash flooding.

This is likely to include North-Eastern NSW today, extending across the ranges into Western NSW.

Storms should continue through the night, shifting to the east coast on Saturday, where heavy rainfall is possible between South Coast, Illawarra, extending to Canberra.

NSW SES State Duty Commander Dean Storey said communities need to be prepared.

“We have seen parts of the state already get hit with severe storms, including communities out near Tamworth and Armidale,” Mr Storey said.

“Now, with the advice from the Bureau of Meteorology indicating this has the potential to occur in northern and southern parts of the state, it is really important communities start checking the weather forecast for what they are likely to expect.

“It is also important that people move their cars from underneath trees and powerlines, clear their front and backyards of loose items, and check their gutters and downpipes for blockages to avoid any flooding.

Mr Storey also stressed the importance of people driving to the conditions of the roads during storms and heavy.”

“This includes being mindful of floodwater,” he said.

“If you come across floodwater, never drive, walk or ride through it.

“It doesn’t matter how experienced a driver someone thinks they are, or if they think their car is capable – do not attempt to cross it,” Mr Storey said.

For more information on how to prepare for a storm, heavy rain or a flood, visit ses.nsw.gov.au.

For information on weather warnings and the latest forecasts, visit bom.gov.au.

To check the latest traffic conditions, please visit www.livetraffic.com.