High clearance vehicles and flood rescue teams have been prepositioned and prepared by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) as severe weather impacts large parts of the state.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting widespread heavy rainfall, damaging wind and hail from today until Tuesday, and has issued a flood watch for minor flooding in catchments on the South Coast and Riverina.
Supercells could also develop across the Northern Rivers, North West Slopes and Northern Tablelands today (Sunday), while rainfall totals in excess of 200millimetres are possible in eastern parts of the state.
An increased risk of flash flooding is forecast for the Northern Rivers, Hunter, South Coast and Illawarra today and tomorrow.
In the last 24 hours NSW SES volunteers have responded to 143 incidents including 1 flood rescue.
NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman said the NSW SES had prepositioned assets and flood rescue teams were prepared to respond during the Christmas period should they be required.
However, she urged the community be alert but not alarmed, and to make safe and sensible decisions this festive season.
“Take care while driving on the roads, as flash flooding can occur very quickly and without warning,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
“It is critical people assess the conditions of not only their route, but their destination before travelling, and avoid camping in low-lying areas.
“If you come across flooded roads, please turn around and find an alternative route. Never drive through flood waters.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman also encouraged people to secure their Christmas decorations, and tie down trampolines delivered by Santa.
“The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting winds of up to 120 kilometres an hour in some parts, and loose items in your backyard can quickly become dangerous projectiles in strong wind,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
