As the June long weekend approaches, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is asking people to make safe and sensible decisions amid severe weather conditions that have hit parts of southeastern NSW and metropolitan Sydney.
NSW SES has undertaken 39 flood rescues in the last 24 hours. Most of these have been people driving across flooded roads.
Riverine flooding is currently occurring along the Hawkesbury, Nepean, Georges, Colo Rivers, with moderate to major flooding possible at North Richmond overnight. Moderate flooding is possible tonight at Menangle and Windsor.
NSW SES is advising residents at Chipping Norton and parts of Camden to prepare to evacuate. Door-to-door notifications have commenced informing residents of their risk and urging residents to evacuate for their safety. Further advice for communities on the Hawkesbury Nepean is expected to be released later today.
Minor flooding is possible in other parts of the state including the Shoalhaven River, St Georges Basin, the Hastings River, and the Cooks River associated with high tides this evening.
NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Dallas Burnes said that while conditions were starting to improve elsewhere in the state, it was important people remain vigilant this weekend.
“Numerous roads have had flash flooding, and it is likely potholes, debris and damage will be present on roads,” Assistant Commissioner Burnes said.
“We implore all residents to stay informed by checking live traffic updates and monitoring local weather conditions closely. If you come across a flooded road, please turn around and find an alternative route. Never drive, walk or play in flooded roads.”
In the past 24 hours, the NSW SES has deployed 391 volunteers to respond to more than 470 storm and flood-related incidents.
“Throughout this long weekend, we encourage people not familiar with the area they’re in to download the Hazards Near Me app and set a watch zone for their holiday destination,” Assistant Commissioner Burnes said.
For assistance with floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 or contact 000 in life threatening situations.
