The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is preparing for the impacts of a complex low off the east coast, which is likely to cause significant flash flooding and storm damage due to intense rainfall and damaging winds.
Communities along the NSW coast, including the South Coast, Illawarra, Sydney, Newcastle, Hunter and Mid North Coast are being urged to prepare ahead of the impacts from tonight.
Wind gusts of up to 125 km/h and widespread rainfall totals of 50 to 120mm are forecast, with locally intense rainfall of up to 200mm in a 48-hour period possible in some areas.
Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan ESM said flash flooding and storm damage were the key risks with the forecast low pressure system.
“Communities along the coast should start preparing now by securing loose items around their home and learning about their flood risk before the worst impacts occur,” she said.
“While we are expecting minor riverine flooding, we know significant flash flooding is a risk and can occur quickly and without much warning, so we want communities to know their risk, and understand the dangers of driving through floodwaters.
“If you do come across a flooded road, you should stop, turn around and find an alternative route.”
Minor flooding could occur on coastal catchments from Forster in the Mid North Coast to Moruya on the South Coast, including the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley, from tomorrow through to the end of the week.
The NSW SES has pre-deployed teams and assets to high-risk locations, including at Kiama, Auburn, Hawkesbury, Maitland, Dungog, Cessnock and Taree.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said community preparation was key, and urged people to follow the advice of emergency services.
“There are already NSW SES volunteers and emergency services active across the east coast preparing for this weather, but we need the community to do their bit too,” Minister Dib said.
“Start preparing your home and talk to your family about what you will do if you are impacted by strong winds and intense rainfall over the next couple of days. While forecasts are that this weather is only expected to last a couple of days, it’s predicted to bring very heavy rainfall.”
Assistant Commissioner Hogan encouraged people to download the Hazards Near Me app and set up a watch zone for their home community, or the community they may be visiting or travelling to.
“If you set up a watch zone, you will get notifications for the latest warnings and information relative to you,” she said.
“People can also visit the NSW SES website or the Bureau of Meteorology for the latest forecasts.”
For emergency assistance from the NSW SES call 132 500. If it’s life-threatening call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234