New South Wales State Emergency Services (NSW SES) has responded to over 200 requests for assistance since midnight, with seven flood rescues already taking place on the NSW South Coast.
The increased activity is in response to heavy rainfall over night and this morning, with many suburbs receiving more than 100mm of rain in the past 12 hours.
Incident Controller for the NSW SES, Colin Malone, has reminded the community to stay safe on the roads, given localised flooding is being experienced in suburbs including Kiama, Nowra and Gerringong.
“With more rain on the way, whether you are a local or just passing through, never walk, ride, drive or play in flood waters,” Mr Malone stressed.
“Despite repeated warnings during recent weather events, we are still seeing community members who think it is safe to drive through flood waters,” he added.
“It is never safe to drive through swollen creeks and causeways and over-road flooding and the seven flood rescues we have already performed this morning is evidence of this.”
Mr Malone said local NSW SES volunteer units are active along the South Coast and are ready to continue to respond to community requests for assistance if needed.
“NSW SES will continue to actively monitor the river systems and in the event of impending flooding in the coming days we will issue flood bulletins to local media outlets where and when they are relevant,” Mr Malone added.
NSW SES advises all residents to prepare their homes for severe weather and tie down loose items, as heavy and high winds are likely across the weekend from Wollongong to Bega.
In the event community members require assistance from the NSW SES, please call 132 500. In all life-threatening emergencies, please dial 000 immediately.
