Editor’s note: vision and photos of response available here - https://spaces.hightail.com/space/bDF1fen4cH/files
More than 250 members were activated across the Metropolitan Sydney region to respond to 495 calls for assistance after rainfall lashed the city and south west.
More than 100mm of rainfall was recorded in three hours in some suburbs, leading to flash flooding, road closures and traffic impacts.
In Spring Street, Fairfield, about a dozen properties were evacuated due to floodwater inundating homes. Meanwhile, at a park in Vine Street at Fairfield, six people were rescued after becoming stranded by rising floodwaters.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said the weather event was an example of how quickly flash flooding could occur during severe thunderstorms.
“Flash flooding is a real risk and can occur quickly, without much warning,” Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
“That’s why we urge people to steer clear of floodwaters and never drive through a flooded road – regardless of how safe you think it may be.”
Rainfall is expected to ease across the state on Friday.
OPERATIONAL STATISTICS;
In the 24 hours to 6am on Friday, 27 February:
Calls to State Operations Centre: 823
Incidents statewide: 549
By Zone:
Metro: 495
South Eastern: 30
Southern: 5
Western: 6
Northern: 7
North Western: 1
North Eastern: 6
For emergency assistance during floods and storms call NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234