The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is responding to the impacts of intense rainfall, particularly on the South Coast where Emergency Warnings have been issued and flood rescues have been undertaken.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall have downed trees, damaged properties and flooded roads as a complex weather system lashed the East Coast of NSW in the last 24 hours.
NSW SES crews have responded to more than 2,320 incidents since the start of this event, as the coastal low shifted southwards from Newcastle towards Sydney, the Illawarra and South Coast.
Widespread rainfall totals reached 150mm overnight, with falls exceeding 200mm at Ulladulla.
Emergency Warnings have been issued in Burrill Lake, where about 200 properties are impacted by flooding, some of them to over floor level. Sanctuary Point residents are also under an Emergency Warning.
Flood rescue crews responded to a surge in rescue incidents around Shoalhaven overnight as flash flooding swept through the area. However, the majority of incidents overnight have involved fallen trees, powerlines and damaged roofs.
NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman said flash flooding is a significant risk with this weather system and urged the community to take caution on roads.
"These incidents are a timely reminder that roads are slippery, and conditions can become dangerous quickly," Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
"Please never drive, walk or play in floodwaters. If you do come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route."
Minor to moderate flooding is possible on coastal catchments and in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an initial minor to moderate flood warning for the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers at Menangle and Camden, as well as an initial minor flood warning for the St Georges Basin at Sussex Inlet.
Assistant Commissioner Flaxman also urged those in low-lying areas to know their flood risk and have a plan in place.
"That means understanding what you will do if your area floods and where you will go if you need to evacuate," she said.
"We also remind community members to keep clear of fallen trees and powerlines as our crews work to clean up storm damage."
More than 1,200 NSW SES volunteers are working alongside emergency service partners to respond to the event.
"We have deployed personnel, high clearance vehicles and aviation assts into the areas of impact," Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
There are 28 warnings current, including seven emergency warnings.
Residents of Wamberal and North Entrance were asked to evacuate due to dangerous waves which could significantly damage buildings. NSW SES Volunteers door knocked the affected residents and advised them to evacuate before high tide as a precautionary measure to ensure safety of residents.
Severe weather is forecast to continue throughout today, before easing from Thursday as the low moves east into the Tasman Sea.
"This weather system is complex and dynamic and we will continue to issue warnings as the situation evolves," Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said.
"Stay up to date on the latest warnings and advice via the Hazards Near Me app and set up a watch zone for your local area, or visit the NSW SES website."
For assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
OPERATIONAL STATISTICS -
- Since the start of the event - 2,320
- Flood rescues - 7 (all in the Illawarra and South Coast)
In the 24 hours to 4am Wednesday:
- Calls to State Operations Centre: 2,160
- Statewide incidents: 1,705
By zone -
- South Eastern Zone: 523
- Metro Zone: 706
- Northern Zone: 1024
- Western Zone: 10
- North Eastern Zone: 28
- North Western Zone: 10
- Southern Zone: 7
- State Units: 10
