Coastal residents in NSW should prepare for the impacts of heavy rain and damaging winds, as the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) puts assets and personnel on stand-by to respond if required.
Forecasts show a complex coastal low-pressure system could develop from late Friday and over the weekend, bringing widespread moderate to locally heavy rainfalls, damaging winds and heavy surf.
Daily rainfall totals between 50 to 100mm, and isolated falls exceeding 120mm, are possible for parts of the mid north coast, Hunter, Sydney metropolitan area and coastal parts of the Illawarra on Saturday, before shifting to the far north coast on Sunday.
Damaging wind gusts exceeding 90km/h along northern and central parts of the coast and adjacent ranges are also forecast.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan ESM said heavy rainfall brings a risk of flash flooding and renewed river rises, while damaging wind may cause significant storm damage.
"We are working with the Bureau of Meteorology to actively monitor this weather system and will issue any warnings if required," Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
"We are preparing assets and personnel to respond to any impacts of the severe weather, but there are simple things community members can do to start preparing too.
"Have an emergency plan in place, understand your own risk and know where you will go and what you will do if your home and family are impacted."
Assistant Commissioner Hogan said residents can start preparing their homes by clearing gutters and downpipes, trimming trees and tying down loose items.
"We would also like to remind everyone to never, under any circumstance, drive through floodwater. If you come across a flooded road, stop, turn around and find an alternative route," she said.
"Stay informed by downloading the Hazards Near Me app and setting up a watch zone for your area, so you receive notifications with the latest warnings and advice."
If you need assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
Photo caption: NSW SES crews respond to fallen tree at Caringbah South overnight (Tuesday 29 July).
