Flash flood threat as NSW SES urges commuters to stay vigilant on roads

A extreme climate warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds has been issued for individuals within the Illawarra, South Coast and close by ranges this afternoon, with six hourly totals of 60-100mm and 24 hour totals as much as 140mm attainable. Towns within the warning space embody Wollongong, Goulburn, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Moruya Heads, Bowral and the Barrington Tops.

In the final 24 hours, NSW SES has responded to greater than 90 incidents, together with two flood rescue incidents.

Crews had been activated for a motorist at Camden Bypass who had pushed off a cliff face; they had been efficiently rescued by NSW Police. NSW SES crews are additionally at the moment attending to a gaggle of bushwalkers trapped by floodwater at Wattamolla.

NSW SES State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey stated these incidents are a well timed reminder that flash flooding is a major threat and urged these on the afternoon commute to stay vigilant.

“We are expecting it be very wet this afternoon, and crews have already been responding to several incidents,” Assistant Commissioner Storey stated.

“Flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning. We implore motorists to never drive, walk or ride through floodwaters – if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route.”

Severe thunderstorms may additionally develop on Wednesday afternoon and into the night, throughout a lot of the state together with the Hunter, Sydney Metro, South West Slopes, Central Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains forecast areas. Damaging wind gusts of 90-110 km/h and huge hail of 2-4cm are anticipated, with domestically harmful winds exceeding 125 km/h attainable.

The rain and extreme thunderstorms might lead to some minor river rises on Wednesday and Thursday within the Darling, Macquarie, Bogan, Orange, Upper Hunter, Hawkesbury Nepean Valley and St Georges Basin catchments. NSW SES will proceed to carefully monitor river heights and subject warnings as wanted.  Some native roads and bridges could also be impacted.

Damaging winds with peak gusts round 90 km/h are anticipated to proceed alongside coastal elements of the state and elements of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands on Thursday morning, earlier than easing within the afternoon because the system strikes east over the Tasman Sea.

Assistant Commissioner Storey stated this climate system is dynamic and urged residents to remain throughout the newest warnings.

“We ask people to download the Hazards Near Me app and set up a watch zone for your local area, so you are alerted with the latest warnings and advice.”

If you want help throughout storms and floods, name the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, at all times name Triple Zero (000).

Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234