NSW SES Urges Drivers to Heed Road Warnings Before Christmas

NSW SES

The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is reminding members of the public to stay up to date with road conditions and plan ahead before travelling this Christmas period.

Many routes have been cut or damaged due to the prolonged flooding across the state.

NSW SES Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes said it is important people do their research before travelling, as many roads have sustained damage.  

"As people move across NSW throughout the Christmas period, it's important to continue using Livetraffic.com and local council websites for the latest information on their journey," he said.

"Roads are very damaged, with some still submerged in water, and in some parts of the state still very wet on dirt and rural roads."

Chief Superintendent Burnes has appealed for people to be weary of damage caused to roads.

"It might be a road you've driven through previously, but the risk is you can't see what the road surface conditions are like under the flood water, there may be deep holes where parts of the road may have subsided," he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast more weather is expected from Thursday until Saturday across western and central NSW. In the west, some thunderstorms may become severe, with the potential for flash flooding, damaging winds and large hail.

Chief Superintendent Burnes said there have been flood rescues of interstate travellers being stuck in floodwaters in Hay.

"A man was travelling from Queensland in the early hours of Tuesday morning, in his van where he was submerged in floodwaters, requiring assistance from SES and interagency personnel," he said.

"Water was rising to his knees and his vehicle was stuck in mud. With more weather expected, we are advising people to stay cautious and heed advice if you are in a flood prone area."

Major flooding is continuing on the Lachlan River at Hilston where the river levels are slowly falling.  Downstream floodwaters continue to travel into the Murray River. At Wentworth the Murray River is expected to remain at major flood levels well into January. Along the Darling River, Louth to Wilcannia remain areas of concern, with the main flood peak expected to reach Wilcannia this week.

At Menindee high water levels which are impacting the outskirts of town, where several roads are cut.

There are currently 31 warnings across the state, with 1 at Emergency, 22 at Watch and Act and 8 at Advice. 

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

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