New South Wales residents have been warned to “be ready to evacuate” as intense rainfall continues to wreak havoc across the state, prompting flash floods and major dams to overflow.
Authorities said on Saturday afternoon that it may be some time before the dangerous conditions ease, with the “worst yet to come”.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) will issue emergency alert SMS messages tonight to communities along Hawkesbury-Nepean catchments, as evacuations become necessary.
The SES said low-lying Hawkesbury-Nepean communities will receive warnings they could be affected by flooding on Saturday or the following days depending on the distribution of the rainfall.
he areas that are expected to receive warnings tonight include Menangle, Liverpool, Milperra, Camden, North Richmond, Wallacia, Penrith, Sackville, Upper Colo and Windsor.
“If you receive a text message from +61 444 444 444, it’s an official alert that requires attention and to take action early,” the SES said, asking people not to think it’s a scam and ignore the message.
“If you have been affected by flooding in the past, you may be affected again.
“Communities can prepare now by understanding their risk and monitoring weather conditions.
“Protect yourself, property and livestock by acting early and avoiding flooded roads. If you need to arrange accommodation with family and friends, prepare that now.
“If you had holidays booked, stay away from flood-prone areas and plan your trips carefully.”
The downpour currently stretches from Port Stevens in the north to Batemans Bay in the south and everywhere in between.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said residents in affected areas should remain on alert as the freak conditions are expected to worsen throughout the evening.
“My message to everyone today is if you have not yet been impacted by rainfall, don’t think you have been spared,” Cooke said.
“We may not have seen the worst of it yet.
“There is a very real threat of an east coast low developing into Sunday.
The downpour currently stretches from Port Stevens in the north to Batemans Bay in the south and everywhere in between. (9News)
“This could result in torrential rain, in flash flooding, damaging winds and coastal erosion, making our coastline and our cities very dangerous places to be in.”
Cooke said given the “already record rainfall” the state has experienced this year, the ground still remains saturated.
“Our entire landscape, in fact, almost right across NSW, is saturated at this time,” Cooke said said.
“And of course our dams and river channels are also full.”
Meanwhile, Queensland will see up to 25 millimetres of rain over the weekend before conditions ease temporarily.
The weather system may pick up again on Monday bringing further wet weather.
Flash flooding and riverine flooding are “very real” risks in the coming days.
Cooke said “this could occur anywhere from Newcastle down to Jervis Bay”, with the river system “of most concern” at the Hawkesbury-Nepean.
“It may reach major flood level overnight,” she said.
Authorities have warned residents to stay indoors where possible. (Transport NSW)
Authorities have also raised concern over Warragamba Dam, which could see significant spillage over the coming days.
As of 4pm this afternoon, The Upper Nepean, Avon and Cordeaux Dams have reported spillage.
“We are all nervously waiting to see what eventuates,” Cooke said.
Helicopters, unimogs and other assets have been placed to ensure they can respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
Cooke urged residents to keep an eye on watches, warnings and orders issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, the SES and other emergency services in the days ahead.
“Please be ready to evacuate at short notice,” she said.
“Please ensure that you prepare your properties as best you can, please prepare your families and your pets if necessary and if in any doubt please evacuate early.
“Don’t necessarily wait for us to put out an order, asking or suggesting that you leave.”
