The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to widespread flooding on the Hawkesbury River, as rainfall eased across the state.
About 600 residents in low-lying areas of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley were issued emergency warnings to evacuate last night, as river levels rose above moderate levels.
Flooding peaked just below the major level of 10.5 metres on the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond this morning at 8.15 am.
While the flood peak is yet to arrive at Windsor, the bridge has remained open. Flood waters are expected to peak at a moderate flood level later today.
Richmond Bridge and Yarramundi Bridge remain closed due to flooding. The Menangle and Cobbitty Bridges have since reopened.
NSW SES crews established a resupply service at Wisemans Ferry this morning and crews have been undertaking door knocking and community engagement within impacted communities.
When flood waters recede, NSW SES will commence damage assessments. The NSW SES is cautioning people that there may be damage to infrastructure including roads.
"Our priority is to get people back to normal as soon as possible," NSW SES Acting Commissioner Deb Platz APM said.
"It is important to check Live Traffic NSW and monitor conditions over the long weekend, especially if you're driving on unfamiliar roads."
Acting Commissioner Platz praised the actions of flood impacted residents across the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.
"People in these communities should be commended for their safe, informed and sensible decisions," she said.
"Residents there have been well prepared and have been heeding the warnings."
Acting Commissioner Platz said this incident was a reminder of how responsive the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment was, and the need to be prepared for the next flood.
"We do not need to see significant rain to bring riverine and flash flooding." she said.
"As we have saturated catchments and full dams the rivers can rise very quickly.
"Every flood is different, so it is important you download the Hazards Near Me app to stay across the latest information and warnings."
The Hawkesbury-Nepean flooding comes at the end of an intense weather event where more than 2000 NSW SES volunteers responded to more than 800 incidents and undertook 58 flood rescues around the state.
"Thousands of volunteers have given up time with their families to keep people safe," Acting Commissioner Platz said.
"Many volunteers worked through days of constant rain, and I can't thank them enough for their actions."
For help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
