News

With the prospect of heavy rain hitting the coast over the next few days, NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is gearing up for a busy weekend and encouraging communities to take the time to prepare before the storms hit.

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised the potential for heavy rain and storms to hit parts of the state from today and extending into Friday and Saturday.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said the areas likely to be hit are the Mid North Coast, Central Coast and potentially Metropolitan Sydney, Illawarra, and Western NSW.

“With many areas already saturated by a wet storm season, conditions are ripe for possible flash flooding,” Mr Kearns said.

“We are making sure our volunteers are prepared and resourced to spring into action when needed.

“But just as our volunteers are prepared, we need our communities to be prepared as well.

“For weather events like this, that means knowing your flood risks. For instance, knowing the height of which your home, business and even your street could be affected by floodwater.

“It is also important to have an emergency kit ready to go with all your important documents and medications should you need to leave your home,” he said.

Mr Kearns also encouraged people to reconsider the need to travel.

“If you do need to be on the roads over the next few days, please drive to the conditions and check Live Traffic NSW for updates on road closures,” Mr Kearns said.

“And if you come across floodwater while driving, never drive, walk, or ride through it – if the road is flooded, forget it.

“It doesn’t matter how experienced a driver you think you are, or whether you have a big car, floodwater can wash away roads that once lay underneath, and even contain chemicals and debris,” he said.