Police and emergency services are urging the community not to take risks in the current flood conditions being experienced across the Hawkesbury-Nepean River catchment areas.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning including heavy rainfall and damaging winds for areas of Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and the Lower Hunter, extending to Ulladulla on the South Coast. These regions have already experienced extensive rainfall in the past few days.
There are currently more than 15 Flood Evacuation Orders in place for low-lying areas of Pleasure Point, Woronora, Wallacia and Camden.
Five Evacuation Centres have been established at the following locations:
- Canley Vale – Cabra-Vale Diggers Club, 1 Bartley Street Canley Vale
- Narellan – Family & Community Centre, Queen Street, Narellan
- Gymea – Gymea Tradies Club, Kingsway Gymea
- Richmond – Richmond Club, Markey Street, Richmond
- North Richmond – North Richmond Community Centre, William Street, North Richmond.
Several other Flood Warnings remain in place across the state – for the latest information on current warnings and evacuation centres, visit the NSW SES website – www.ses.nsw.gov.au/.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said emergency services are continuing to assist people isolated and impacted during this evolving situation.
"The State Emergency Operations Centre at Homebush has been stood up today and will provide real-time assistance and intelligence to emergency services in flood-affected communities," Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
"The Centre provides a whole-of government approach to deliver resources and personnel into flood-affected areas which need assistance.
"The NSW SES is urging those who are now unable to leave their homes to move to the highest, safest place possible. Police also remind people not to drive into flood waters, as they are not only putting their own lives at risk, but those of emergency services responding to those incidents," Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
Police are also urging all those in flood-affected or flood-prone areas in Greater Sydney to avoid all non-essential travel, with several roads closed and impacted by flood waters, landslips and fallen trees.
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For the latest weather warnings, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website: http://www.bom.gov.au/.
For the latest road closures, please visit www.livetraffic.com.au
In all life-threatening situations and emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).
