News

With more severe weather expected to impact eastern parts of the state, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is closely monitoring forecasts and preparing assets and personnel for any potential flash flooding impacts.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting isolated heavy rainfall for the Illawarra, Central Coast, Sydney and Hunter regions, bringing a risk of localised flash flooding, particularly during Sunday.

Over the inland, a deepening trough is expected to bring showers and isolated thunderstorms to the far west from this afternoon (Thursday). During Friday and Saturday, broad areas of the central and northern inland are forecast to receive moderate falls, with a risk of localised heavy falls and flash-flooding from thunderstorms.

In the Alpine regions, snow showers are expected on peaks above 1700 metres.

NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman said volunteers, assets and flood rescue operators were ready and able to respond to any bad weather across NSW.

“We’re working closely with the Bureau of Meteorology and are monitoring conditions across the state,” Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.

“Isolated rainfall in excess of 100 millimetres in some coastal areas is not out of the question, but we are well positioned to respond to any calls for assistance.”

Floodwaters from previous rain over inland Queensland are continuing to gradually flow through NSW catchments, with a moderate flood warning remaining for the Warrego River.

Assistant Commissioner Flaxman encouraged people to download the Hazards Near Me app to stay up to date with any flood or storm alerts and prepare for any weather impacts.

“People can prepare their homes now by clearing their gutters and securing any loose outdoor items, so they don’t become projectiles in a storm,” she said.

“I also encourage anyone who may come across flash flooding to stop, turn around and find an alternate route. Driving, walking or riding through floodwater is not worth the risk.”