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Residents in Northern NSW are being advised to prepare for further heavy rain, as NSW State Emergency Service (SES) crews continue cleaning up across much of the state following severe storms.
Heavy rain is impacting coastal communities north of Sydney to Seal Rocks, with rain totals of 70-100 millimetres possible in the next six hours. Severe storms are also expected later this afternoon around Tweed Heads and the Northern Rivers.
Later this evening, minor flooding is expected at Dungog along the Williams River. The NSW SES is advising residents in the area to monitor conditions and be prepared to act.
Incident numbers are continuing to climb following severe storms, with the NSW SES receiving more than 4,400 incidents in the last 48 hours. The majority have been for fallen trees, downed powerlines and damaged properties.
As of 2pm today, more than 1,400 incidents were still to be completed. More than 1,000 volunteers have been working to clear the incidents since the onset of severe weather on Wednesday.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said all emergency service partners were working to restore normality for impacted areas.
“We’re aware there’s a number of power outages in the Hunter, Nelson Bay and Central Coast regions,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
“NSW SES is working with partner emergency service organisations, Hunter Water and local government to ensure the continuation of water supply while power is restored.”
The NSW SES has been advised residents in the area have access to food and water, and that the local supermarkets were open in the area.
Assistant Commissioner Hogan said the risk of flash flooding increases with heavy rain continuing to intensify later today and this evening.
“While we are not expecting significant riverine flooding from this rain, we could see quite heavy localised falls, which may lead to flash flooding,” she said.
“Flash flooding can occur very quickly and without warning – if you come across a flooded road you should turn around, find an alternative route or delay your travel. Never drive through flood waters, and if you find yourself trapped call Triple Zero (000).”
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234