Police and emergency services are urging the community to be prepared and not to take risks ahead of forecast wet and dangerous weather conditions across much of NSW this weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for residents and visitors on Lord Howe Island, as Tropical Cyclone Uesi continues to track south-southwest during today.
Although the system will lose its tropical characteristics during today, it is still expected to maintain an intensity equivalent to a category two tropical cyclone as it approaches Lord Howe Island tonight and into early Friday morning.
Wind gales with gusts in excess of 100 km/hr are expected to develop about Lord Howe Island during this afternoon or early evening. Destructive winds with gusts in excess of 125 km/hr should start to occur this evening and continue into early Friday as the system centre passes close to the island. Strong and gusty winds are likely to persist about Lord Howe Island through until Saturday, in the wake of the system moving through on Friday.
Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected to develop during this evening and continue overnight.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring Lord Howe Island Police Station on (02) 6563 2199.
Further to this, Flood Watch and Flood Warnings remain in place for several locations across the state, including the Tweed River, the Bellinger River, the Orara River, Tuggerah Lake, and the Upper Nepean River.
Hazardous surf warnings are in place for the Byron Coast today (Thursday 13 February 2020), with the warning extending to the Byron Coast, Coffs Coast, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast tomorrow (Friday 14 February 2020).
Northern Region Emergency Operations Controller, Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree, said residents in Northern NSW need to be prepared for another few days of wet and dangerous conditions.
“Lord Howe Island, which is part of the Mid North Coast Police District, is in the eye of this oncoming storm, all emergency service personnel are urging those on the island to prepare for the worsening conditions as early as possible.
“Tie down any boats and property which could become a hazard during the destructive winds, stay out and away from the water and wind-exposed areas.
“Our officer-in-charge of Lord Howe Island has been in constant contact with the NSW SES and informing the community of the dangerous conditions ahead.
“The Northern NSW coast is forecast to receive another heavy downpour this weekend, further saturating regions and river systems which have received upwards of 500mm of rain in some instances during the most recent weather event.
“We want the community to be prepared for further significant rain totals, be aware of rising flood waters – remember, if it’s flooded FORGET IT!” Act. Assistant Commissioner Greentree said.
To prepare ahead of dangerous storm and rain activity, the New South Wales SES advises to:
– Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
– Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
– Keep at least eight-metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
– Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
– Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132
