Sydney floods emergency unfolding.
A major flooding event is occurred across the Sydney basin and beyond.
Thousands of people north and south west of Sydney are being told to evacuate their homes as torrential rain generates significant flooding.
Across Sydney suburbs were also experiencing flash flooding with many homes inundated by water. Apartment basements also flooding in the city and many roads are underwater.
Emergency services have ordered people in the several different suburbs to evacuate.
The information from NSW authorities is being posted online and to social media. Please check this website for accurate updates.
Multiple evacuation orders for streets in suburbs around Sydney including Narrabeen, Moorebank, Chipping Norton, Milperra, North Richmond Lowlands
Flooding in Parramatta
A severe weather warning has been issued for coastal NSW:
trough lying along central and northern parts of the New South Wales coast is bringing persistent rain and windy conditions to many areas. This trough is expected to gradually extend into the southern coast later today and Monday before weakening.
HEAVY RAIN, which will likely cause FLASH FLOODING and RIVERINE FLOODING, is forecast for parts of the Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra and eastern parts of the Central Tablelands (including the Blue Mountains) districts today. Heavy rain will shift south over the next 24hrs, impacting the Illawarra through early tonight then tracking to the southeast over Monday.
There is potential for periods of very heavy (torrential) rainfall and life-threatening flash-flooding in the Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra and eastern parts of the Central Tablelands (including the Blue Mountains) districts. Dry and burn areas of the state are currently particularly vulnerable at the moment, Rain run-off into waterways around these areas is likely to be greater than usual and may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. This mean flow of debris and landslips are possible during this period.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging up to 70 km/h, with gusts in excess 100 km/h, are possible along the coastal fringe between Ulladulla and Forster today, shifting to between Wollongong and to the Victorian border through Monday.
ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES are expected this again morning, around which time the sea water level may exceed the highest tide of the year.
DAMAGING SURF CONDITIONS, with waves exceeding 5 metres in the surf zone, are forecast to develop this afternoon and evening, and may produce significant beach erosion in areas exposed to the east, mainly between Forster and Jervis Bay.
A Flood Watch and a number of Flood Warnings have also been issued for this event.
Locations which may be affected include Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Katoomba, Lithgow, Wollongong, Nowra, Ulladulla, Eden and Moruya Heads.
Since 9am Wednesday to 5pm Sunday:
Approx. 400-500mm has fallen over the Northern Rivers
Approx 300-400mm has fallen over the Mid North Coast
Since 9am Friday to 5pm Sunday:
Approx 200-400mm has fallen over the Central Coast, Sydney and Eastern Blue Mountains
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 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 (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Don’t drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11:00 pm AEDT Sunday.
Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.
Earlier : Sydney flood event
The Sydney News Authors