Northern NSW residents evacuated as Sydney braces for ‘significant flooding’

·

Hundreds of stranded residents have been rescued from their homes and cars in NSW, as a “life-threatening” downpour that has triggered record-breaking floods heads to Sydney.

Rainfall and flood records are tumbling in NSW as greater Sydney braces for the possibility of “significant flooding”, 7News reports.

The lower Blue Mountains are expected to see the worst of the rain on Saturday and into Sunday.

A house can be seen floating along the Manning River on Saturday, March 20, 2021. Credit: Twitter

For greater Sydney, much will depend on exactly where the rain falls and what happens when Warragamba Dam, the city’s main water source, begins to overflow on Saturday afternoon and dumps more water into heaving water courses.

“Based on our current modelling, we’re thinking that we might see some minor flooding at Penrith and North Richmond later today,” Bureau of Meteorology national flood services manager Justin Robinson told reporters.

People in Port Macquarie fill up sandbags ahead of expected floods. Credit: NSW SES Port Macquarie Unit/Facebook

Major flooding has hit several towns along the NSW mid-north coast, with those in low-lying properties around Taree, Dumaresq Island, Cundletown, Central Wingham and Wingham Peninsular ordered to evacuate on Saturday morning.

Evacuation orders were also issued in Kempsey, Port Macquarie, North Haven, Dunbogan, Camden Head and Laurieton on Friday.

The State Emergency Service has responded to more than 3200 calls for help since the wet weather began, including 335 flood rescues overnight.

That is a “huge number”, NSW SES spokesman Andrew McCullough said.

“A lot of those jobs are for people who are stuck in their houses, caravans, animals isolated by floodwater, people stuck in cars – it’s really for a wide mix of things,” he said.

The bureau warned of intense rainfall “potentially leading to life-threatening flash flooding” and damaging winds averaging 60-70km/h with gusts exceeding 90km/h.

While the rain will be “substantially heavier” than what Sydney copped earlier this week, it will not be of the same intensity that hit the mid-north coast on Thursday and Friday.

Sourced By: 7News

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

Sydney Olympic AGM: Hanlin tackles logo backlash, funding offers and a new direction

Sydney Olympic FC held its AGM on Tuesday, where President Damon Hanlin presented a wide-ranging update on the club’s future direction.

A legacy continued: Celebrating 50 years of the Navarino Society of SA

The 50th anniversary of the Navarino (Pylion) Society of South Australia was marked with a night of pride, nostalgia, and optimism.

Renos Haralambidis reflects on time, art, and the spirit of Hellenism during Sydney visit

Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis concluded an insightful and warmly received visit to Sydney, which featured his entire body of work.

Oakleigh Grammar marks OXI Day with heartfelt tributes and student-led performances

With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28. 

You May Also Like

‘Intellectual disability is neglected’: Ilianna Ginnis on designing for neurodiverse communities

Lighting and signs are two aspects of interior architecture that concern Monash University student and designer Ilianna Ginnis. 

The top six Greek sporting moments from 2023

2023 has been a year of victory and accomplishment for Greek athletes. From Australian Open records to National football drafts.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia celebrates the achievements of Greek women in healthcare

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) hosted a wonderful International Women’s Day event at the Botanical Hotel in Melbourne.