A trough lying along central and northern parts of the New South Wales coast is bringing persistent rain to many areas. This trough is expected to deepen and gradually extend into the southern coast later today and Sunday.
There is potential for very heavy (torrential) rainfall for the Central Coast, Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra and eastern parts of the Central Tablelands (including the Blue Mountains) districts, particularly overnight tonight.
Since 8 am Friday 7 February 2020, the NSW SES has received a total of 1,393 calls for help (562 outstanding, 15 flood rescue), the majority of jobs relate to trees down, flooding and leaking roofs.
The areas of greatest areas of impact include:
- Gosford 256 jobs
- Wyong 236 jobs
- Wollongong 87 jobs
- Sutherland 77 jobs
- Liverpool 58 jobs
A Severe Weather Warning has been issued for the Metropolitan, Illawarra and parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, South Coast, Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts.
The weather system has the potential to cause flooding for the catchments listed from later Saturday onwards. To view all current weather warnings, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website at http://bit.ly/31CSxws
If you live near low-lying areas such as creeks, rivers or storm drains, consider what you would do in the in the event you are required to leave.
- Find out about the key evacuation routes.
- Check that you have your essential items ready to go with you.
- Work out where and how you will transport your large animals.
- Listen to local and ABC radio for updates and advice.
The NSW SES is urging people over the next few days to drive to the conditions, make safe decisions and plan your trip.
If you are driving when flash flooding occurs:
- Stay safe and never drive through floodwater. Just 15cm of water can float a car
- Be aware of driving hazards, such as mud, debris, damage roads and fallen trees; and
- If driving conditions are dangerous, safety pull over away from trees, drains and low-lying areas and floodwaters.
- Never drive through floodwater.
For emergency storm and flood assistance call NSW SES on 132500 and in life threatening emergencies call triple zero.
