Be prepared NSW: Here is what to do guidelines for a flood emergency warning

Current weather across eastern parts of coastal NSW are seeing significant impacts from flood and storm conditions. Some areas have seen floods of record and with saturated catchments and further predicted rainfall, this is a potential life-threatening weather event.

The NSW SES is asking all people in areas impacted by floods and storms to monitor the situation closely and act on all advice given by emergency services immediately.

A coastal trough has resulted in heavy rain over the northern half of the NSW coast. Flash-flooding and riverine flooding is occurring. The accumulative effects of heavy rainfall on now soaked catchments has increased already flooded rivers, rates and rises.

Severe Weather Warnings are current for people in Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, Australian Capital Territory and parts of Mid North Coast, South Coast, Central Tablelands, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains locations. Saturday is likely to be the wettest for Sydney and the Illawarra.

Since 18/03/2021 the NSW SES has received over 2700 jobs across NSW during this significant weather event, with just over 800 jobs overnight. Our volunteers are attending properties with leaking roofs and fallen trees due to the strong winds. Communities were working at sandbag collection points to prepare for the flash flooding overnight however significant rainfall has seen 135 Flood Rescue activations for this period.

Across the state we have 8 Evacuation Orders issued in:

1. Low lying areas of North Haven, Dunbogan, and Laurieton
2. Low lying properties in Port Macquarie
3. Low lying properties on the Lower Macleay
4. Low lying properties in Kempsey CBD
5. Low lying areas of Wauchope and Rawdon Island
6. Low lying properties of Bulahdelah
7. Low lying properties in Kings Point and Macksville CBD

To view all current Evacuation Orders and Flood Bulletins head to the NSW SES website here https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/

On Monday and Tuesday in Western NSW, another trough is forecast to slowly cross the state. This system looks likely to bring significant rainfall totals to most inland districts during Monday and Tuesday. This includes the far west, which has so far missed out on recent rainfall events.  

NSW SES urges communities to never enter floodwater. Prepare for this morning’s commute and avoid all unnecessary travel. Make safe decisions if you are on the roads and visit Live Traffic NSW for current road conditions. https://www.livetraffic.com/

The major cause of death during floods is from people entering or travelling through floodwater.

• Floodwater may be deeper or faster flowing than it appears and contain hidden snags or debris.
• Floodwater may contain chemicals, raw sewage, snakes, spiders and much more that could cause illness and even death.
• Roads and surfaces underneath floodwater often wash away, and may not be visible from the surface.

When an Evacuation Order is issued, and you leave your house:

1. Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains before you leave and turn off and secure any gas bottles
2. Take your pets with you
3. Never enter or travel through floodwater
4. Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
5. Follow your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan
6. Follow all instructions given to you by emergency services