NSW State Emergency Service volunteers will be on the ground this morning helping communities clean up after significant storms ravaged parts of the Northern Rivers, Metropolitan Sydney, Illawarra, South Coast and Riverina.
Late on Christmas Eve, nearly 600 NSW SES volunteers were responding to calls for assistance, inlcuding 25 separate flood rescue incidents.
The majority of these were following heavy rainfall in the Sydney and Illawarra areas. Rescues were conducted at Kensington, Randwick, Mascot, Pagewood, Botany, Eastlakes, Kingsford, Wheeny Creek and Rosebery. Flood rescues also conducted at Bulli and Woonona.
NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman said most flood rescues were for vehicles trapped in flood water.
“We also had several reports of buildings impacted by the flash flooding – with water leaking through roofs and under doors into garages and car parks. SES members assisted with sandbagging and cleanouts.
“Fortunately there were no reports of significant injuries or major damage from the flood rescues.”
Across the state yesterday NSW SES Volunteers responded to 492 incidents. Metropolitan Sydney was the hardest hit in NSW with 313 incidents since 5pm.
In the Southern Region, extensive damage occurred at a Caravan Park at Moama where a number of trees fell on cabins.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said there could be a repeat of bad weather on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with warnings likely across much of the state.
“There is a possibility isolated heavy rainfall totals will exceed 200mm in some parts, which will bring a risk of flash flooding,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
“NSW SES has prepositioned assets and has flood rescue teams prepared to respond should they be required.
A flood watch has been issued for Moruya and Deua Rivers, Bega River, Tumut River, Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers, Snower River, Upper Murray and Mitta Mitta Rivers.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said the NSW SES was asking the community to make safe and sensible decisions this holiday period.
“Take care while driving on the roads, as flash flooding can occur very quickly and without warning,” she said.
“We want to make sure everyone gets to their destinations safely – be sure to assess the conditions and have a plan for poor weather.”
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Statistics for last 24 hours:
Total incidents: 492
Total human resources: 596
Zone breakdown –
South Eastern Zone: 53
Metro: 313
Northern Zone: 48
Southern Zone: 22
Western Zone: 22
North Eastern: 22
North Western: 7
State HQ: 5
