New South Wales residents have been warned to “be prepared to evacuate” as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across the state, causing sudden flooding and large dams to overflow.
Authorities said Saturday afternoon that it may be some time before dangerous conditions subside, with the “worst yet to come.”
Currently, the downpour extends from Port Stevens in the north to Batemans Bay in the south and everywhere.
Two occupants rescued from a vehicle in Bexley in floodwaters. (Supplied) Two occupants rescued from a vehicle in Bexley in flood waters. (Supplied)
The Minister of Emergency Services, Resilience and Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said the SES has responded to some 240 requests for assistance as of 6am this morning.
He said residents of the affected areas should remain on alert as strange conditions are expected to worsen throughout the afternoon and evening.
“My message to everyone today is that if the rains haven’t affected you yet, don’t think they’ve saved you,” Cooke said.
“We may not have seen the worst yet.
“There is a very real threat of an east coast downpour occurring on Sunday. This could cause torrential rains, sudden floods, harmful winds and coastal erosion, making our coast and our cities very dangerous places to live. be”.
Cooke said that given the “record rains” the state has experienced this year, the soil is still saturated.
“In fact, our entire landscape, almost all of NSW, is saturated right now,” he said.
Accumulated rain over the next five days. (Weather Zone) Authorities have warned residents to stay indoors whenever possible. (NSW Transportation)
“And it’s clear that our dams and river canals are full too.”
“So in addition to the sudden floods, there is a very real risk that river flooding will occur over the next few days.”
Cooke said “this could happen anywhere from Newcastle to Jarvis Bay”, with the river system “of most concern” in Hawkesbury-Nepean.
“It can reach a significant level of flooding overnight,” he said.
Authorities have also expressed concern over the dam of Warragamba, which could see a major spill in the coming days.
As of 4 p.m. this afternoon, Upper Nepean, Avon and Cordeaux dams have reported spills.
“We’re all nervous to see what happens,” Cooke said.
Helicopters, unimogs and other assets have been deployed to ensure they can respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
“Please pay attention to the clocks and warnings and orders issued by the Meteorological Office, the SES, and other emergency services organizations as the hours and days unfold,” Cooke said.
“Please be prepared to evacuate shortly in advance.
“Please make sure you prepare your properties in the best way possible, prepare your families and pets if necessary, and in case of doubt, evacuate early.
“You don’t necessarily wait for us to place an order, asking or suggesting you leave.”
River ferries have been scrapped between Parramatta and Rydalmere due to the overflow of the dam. Alternative transportation is being provided, but authorities have urged travelers to allow extra travel time.
Meanwhile, Queensland will see up to 25 millimeters of rain over the weekend before conditions are temporarily reduced.
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The weather system could recover again on Monday with more wet weather.