SES Crews Are Preparing for Heavy Rainfall and Flooding in NSW and QLD Over the Next 48 Hours as East Coast Cold Front Increases
Moderate to major flood warnings have been issued for several parts of the east coast, with up to 90 millimetres of rain expected in the coming hours.
There's a good chance you'll be hiding from the weather the next few days, as heavy rainfall and even flooding are expected to impact residents in both New South Wales and Queensland. With some predictions warning of rainfall reaching triple figures, SES NSW crews are on standby, warning about dangerous downpours in northern and north-western NSW.
So far, flood warnings have been issued for parts of the Mid North Coast, Hunter and North West Slopes, with minor to moderate flooding likely from late Wednesday and isolated major flooding considered possible. Elsewhere, the SES also warns of possible moderate flooding in the Hunter and Colo River catchments from Thursday morning.
"We're sending aviation assets, high clearance vehicles and crews into the areas likely to be impacted by this rainfall," said NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone. "While we're prepared for an increased volume of calls for assistance, we ask the community to prepare too."
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With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting significant rainfall across much of the east coast from Wednesday, the 24-hour rainfall prediction stands at 40–90 millimetres set to drench the region.
Sydney has already experienced its wettest start to August since 1998; waterlogged land cannot soak up new rainfall, leading to more severe run-off that can cause river levels to rise quickly. Fortunately, the cold front bringing these wild conditions is expected to abate from Friday.
"We'd like to remind people that flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning," said Assistant Commissioner Malone. "Please never, under any circumstance, drive through floodwaters. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another way."
Stay up to date with the latest weather warnings at the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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