Strong winds and heavy rainfall are likely to bring trees down and cause flash flooding between Forster and Moruya today and tomorrow, as the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) responds to the impacts of a coastal low on the east coast.
More than 1,000 NSW SES volunteers have been mobilised to respond to the impacts of rain and wind throughout coastal communities, working through 800 calls for assistance on Tuesday.
Conditions are expected to worsen as the day progresses. In the Hunter and Mid North Coast damaging wind gusts up to 125km/h are forecast today (Tuesday), before the low tracks south towards Sydney, the Illawarra and South Coast.
In the Central Coast, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and South Coast regions, damaging wind gusts could reach 110km/h throughout this afternoon.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan ESM said heavy localised six-hourly rainfall totals up to 120mm are possible and could lead to flash flooding and minor to moderate riverine rises.
“Flash flooding is a high risk throughout the east coast where heavy rain could cut roads without warning,” she said.
“The impacts of this weather will be short but intense and we want people to heed the warnings and advice from emergency services.
“We are reminding people commuting home this afternoon to be careful and not drive through floodwaters. If they come across floodwaters, they should stop, turnaround, and find an alternative route.”
Assistant Commissioner Hogan said the NSW SES was well positioned to respond to any calls for assistance from the community.
“We’ve prepared for this weather, and we want the community to do the same,” she said.
“People should learn about their risk by understanding their local forecast and download the Hazards Near Me app to stay across the latest warnings and information to stay prepared.”
For emergency assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s life-threatening call Triple Zero (000).
OPERATIONAL STATISTICS:
Calls to State Operations Centre: 883 (from 5am 30 June - 9am 01 July)
Statewide incidents: 560