News

The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is urging the community to remain vigilant this weekend as heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to impact the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, Sydney, and parts of the Central Coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a low-pressure system to move across Eastern parts of the state from Saturday.

The low will develop off the central NSW coast late Saturday before moving south, bringing very heavy rainfall to the Illawarra on Sunday.

State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan said flash flooding and landslips were possible, and urged the public to remain vigilant and prepare.

“It is important to prepare your home and items ahead of this forecast, by tying down loose items, parking your car undercover, away from trees and cutting branches that could cause damage to your home,” she said.

“Driving during and after a storm can be very dangerous. If you can, delay your trip, and park under cover.

“If you do need to drive, never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. If you come across a flood road, please do not take the risk and find an alternate route.”

The community can monitor weather conditions and warnings issued by the NSW SES on our website and Facebook page, or by following the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology.

To find out more information on how to prepare, people can visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Simple things you can do during a storm to help protect your family:

• Never enter or travel through floodwater
• Stay indoors, clear of windows
• Stay clear of creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees, power lines and damaged buildings
• If driving, put your hazard lights on and pull over to the side of the road keeping clear of drains, causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines
• If outdoors, seek secure shelter away from drains, causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines
• Listen to your local radio station and other media for information, updates and advice