The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is continuing to respond to incidents across the state, particularly in the southeast, as weather impacts the region, where rainfall totals have exceeded 200mm in some parts.
Persistent, heavy rain continues to fall across large parts of the state, with severe weather expected to impact the South Coast from Jervis Bay to the Victorian border this afternoon and into the evening.
Twenty-two dedicated NSW SES flood rescue teams are actively responding to flood rescue incidents in the South Coast and Illawarra, and a further 12 highly skilled and trained flood rescue teams have been prepositioned in metropolitan Sydney.
The NSW SES has responded to 12 flood rescues across the state since midnight, these include: 2 in St Georges Basin, 2 in South Nowra, 2 in Deniliquin, 1 in Lake Conjola, 1 in Moruya, 1 in Young, 1 in Raglan and 1 in Bathurst.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said members on the ground were prepared and ready to respond to calls for assistance.
“Flash flooding and riverine flooding is likely, and I would encourage the public to follow the advice of emergency service personnel on the ground and to not drive through floodwater,” he said.
“We know flash flooding can bring debris and sewage over the road, and you just don’t know what damage to the road lays beneath the surface.”
Throughout the next 24 hours, parts of the south coast could see more than 200 millimetres of rain, while super storm cells could develop across the north of the state, bringing intense localised rainfall, strong winds and large hail.
“This rain is being driven by a deep low pressure system, and is expected to intensify in parts with isolated super cells developing this afternoon and into this evening,” Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.
“Flooding around the Bega River also remains a concern, but we’ve prepositioned NSW SES assets and are well-resourced to respond.
“Residents are being asked to prepare, with possible major flooding this evening. NSW SES members will be door knocking residents to warn them of their risks and the potential they may need to evacuate.
“We are urging residents to follow the directions of NSW SES personnel if they are asked to leave.”
NSW SES volunteers are on the ground on Lake Conjola, and once conditions are safe they will begin rapid impact assessments on properties that have been impacted.
In Deniliquin, 135 millimetres of rain fell overnight causing significant flooding in the town. Volunteers and Deputy Zone Commanders have been on the ground since this morning, and are continuing to respond to more than 40 incidents.
“We’re working to pump water from the town so crews can access parts of the town which have been cut off by floodwaters,” Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.
“Our teams, supported by our partner emergency services on the ground, have been responding to incidents since this morning, and resources continue to be sent to Deniliquin to assist.”
Incidents:
The NSW SES has responded to more than 550 incidents across the state since midnight. The majority of these are located in the South Eastern Zone.
Volunteers are continuing to respond to a large number of incidents in the South Eastern Zone.
Rainfall totals, 24 hours to 9am today:
Porters Creek Dam:351 mm
Point Perpendicular: 226 mm
Ulladulla: 196mm
Moruya: 125 mm
Deniliquin: 135mm
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
