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NSW SES
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Vision alert and operational update

Summary

Heavy rain has led to a surge in calls for assistance overnight with the NSW SES receiving more than 850 calls over the last 24 hours.  

Flood Rescue at Wattamolla 10 Aug 2025

In a 50 minute period there was a large volume of requests from the Sydney area with storm related incidents including water into properties, and a number of vehicles that became stuck on roads. NSW SES and emergency services partners provided assistance to commuters impacted by the storm.

Rainfall rates and wind gusts are starting to ease in the south around the Illawarra and southern Sydney and are expected to continue to ease through the morning, however damaging winds with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are expected over parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands lasting into the afternoon. 

Large and powerful south to southeast waves are expected along the northern and central coasts through to early Friday, creating hazardous surf conditions and an increased risk of damaging surf and coastal erosion.

On Wednesday, 10 September, the Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds affecting parts of the Illawarra, Mid North Coast, Metropolitan, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and Hunter Forecast Districts.

On Wednesday afternoon (10 September), the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that two tornados were observed in the South West Slopes; one North West of Young and one near Caragabal.  No significant damage was reported the NSW SES.

At Wattamollla, around 1pm on Wednesday, SES crews assisted with the rescue of three bushwalkers.

Operational statistics over last 24 hours to 5am 

  • Calls to NSW SES: 854
  • Total incidents: 593
  • Flood rescues/storm incidents: 34

Breakdown by zones:

Metro zone: 392 
North Eastern zone: 3 
North Western zone: 14 
Northern Zone: 52 
South Eastern zone: 76 
Southern zone: 26 
Western Zone: 26 
State HQ: 26 
Total: 593 

Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234