NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to 447 incidents and 49 flood rescues since midnight, after heavy rain caused flash flooding in the South Coast, Illawarra and Sydney Metropolitan regions.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 24-hour rainfall totals of 206mm in Cringila, 197mm at Port Kembla, 170mm in Warilla and 146mm in Wollongong, with flood risk elevated by wet catchments, full dams and very high tides.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Dallas Burnes said volunteers have been working tirelessly overnight.
“Our flood rescue teams have been working in very challenging conditions throughout the southeast of the state through the night, and our volunteers will continue to respond until conditions ease,” Assistant Commissioner Burnes said.
He urged motorists in rain-affected regions to reconsider non-essential travel this morning.
“A number of roads may be impacted by flash flooding today. It is important to check live traffic and monitor conditions. If you come across a flooded road, please turn around and find an alternative route,” Assistant Commissioner Burnes said.
A severe weather warning remains in place for heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding in the Illawarra, South Coast, Metropolitan Sydney and Southern Tablelands districts.
Flood warnings are in place for Picton, Shoalhaven, Wollondilly and the Hawkesbury Nepean.
Assistant Commissioner Dallas Burnes encouraged people to download the Hazards Near Me app, to stay up to date with the latest warnings on severe weather and flooding.
“This is a dynamic weather system where conditions can change rapidly. The fastest and simplest way to know your risk from severe weather and flooding is to set up a watch zone in Hazards Near Me,” Assistant Commissioner Burnes said.
For help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500.
In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
OPERATIONAL STATISTICS: 24 hours to 5am, Friday, 7th June:
Flood Rescues: 49
Incidents statewide: 447
By zone:
• Metro – 86
• South Eastern – 291
• Northern – 12
• North Eastern – 2
• Southern – 2
• North Western – 0
• Western – 1
