With poor weather forecast for much of the state later this week NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is expecting an increase in operational activity.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned heavy and intense rain is anticipated, ahead of a potential East Coast Low.
On Thursday (4 April), widespread showers of 30 to 50 mm are expected in New England, Northern Rivers, and the northern half of the Mid North Coast regions. However localised heavy rainfall of 70 to 100 mm is possible.
On Friday, the Bureau is forecasting this trough will deepen, potentially developing into a low-end East Coast Low, impacting the mid-north coast before shifting to the Hunter, Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra by the evening as the system moves southwards. This could bring heavy and intense rainfall, flash flooding, strong to gale force coastal winds and hazardous surf conditions.
On Saturday, the weather system is expected to shift to the Illawarra and South Coast with heavy rainfall, strong to gale force coastal winds and hazardous surf all possible.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said now was the time for east coast, Blue Mountains and metropolitan Sydney communities to prepare for poor weather.
“We still have a few days until the weather may deteriorate, so it’s a good time to make sure you take steps to prepare your homes,” Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.
“Simple things like cleaning your gutters, trimming trees and branches away from properties and securing loose items around your houses will help keep you and your families safe during poor weather.”
Assistant Commissioner Kearns said assets and personnel had been prepositioned ahead of the forecast, and the NSW SES was ready to respond should the community need assistance.
“Rainfall may exceed 100 mm over a large number of locations, and isolated totals close to 200 mm are also possible, which is why we’ve prepositioned personnel and assets early at a number of locations across the state,” he said.
“Flood and storms teams are on standby to respond should they be required, but we’re pleading with the community to be prepared, stay informed and not drive through floodwaters.
“To stay up to date on warnings and advice, people can download the Hazards Near Me App, which has all the latest warnings for floods and storms.”
If you do need assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s life threatening, call Triple Zero.
