NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is urging residents across the state to prepare for more severe weather throughout today (Tuesday 24 August) and tomorrow (Wednesday 25 August).
So far, NSW SES volunteers have responded to over 200 calls for help from the public. The worst hit area was Orange, where a narrow part of the town bore the brunt of the damaging winds, which resulted in roof damage and fallen trees.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Winds along the coast of the Sydney, Illawarra and northern parts of the South Coast from late today onwards.
Winds are also expected to gradually ease below gale or damaging wind thresholds from Wednesday morning.
NSW SES has volunteers out today continuing the clean-up efforts from overnight and additional volunteers including Flood Rescue Operators on standby today in the areas expected to be impacted by more severe weather.
Members of the community are urged to use what time they have to prepare their properties before more severe weather arrives. Residents can do this by:
- Never drive, ride, or walk through floodwater
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony
- Drive to the conditions as roads may become icy
- Moving your vehicles under cover or away from trees
- Make sure you pets and children are indoors
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Report fallen power lines to your power provider.
