News

Editor’s Note: Overlay vision and interviews with NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner, Paul McQueen: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/uZICY96pjZ

With much of the state experiencing severe thunderstorms and flash flooding over the past week, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging people to remain vigilant both on the roads and on the water this summer period.  

Over the past week NSW has been battered by storms, with NSW SES volunteers responding to more than 900 incidents since the storms began earlier this week.  

These have mostly been for fallen trees and branches, leaking roofs and requests for sandbagging. 

Overnight, SES volunteers responded to 9 flood rescues across the state, including in the Northern Rivers, Illawarra, Sydney and Western NSW.  

NSW SES State Duty Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul McQueen reminded people to stay across the latest warnings and information, and never drive through floodwater.  

“While all people were safely rescued overnight, it’s a reminder of the dangers posed by taking the risk of driving through floodwater,” he said.  

“The message is simple – Please never drive, ride, or play in floodwaters. I also want to thank those who do the right thing and turn around to find another way. By doing this, you are saving our volunteers from being put into harm’s way.” 

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted above average rainfall throughout December, and has forecast widespread rain, showers, and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy falls to continue into next week, increasing the risk of flash flooding and riverine rises. 

Acting Assistant Commissioner McQueen urged residents to know their risk and plan ahead this storm season.  

“With more rainfall predicted over the summer period, travellers heading to caravan parks and resorts in low lying areas should have a plan and prepare for possible heavy rain, which can lead to flash flooding and riverine rises,” Acting Assistant Commissioner McQueen said. 

“You don’t know what condition the road underneath the water is in and can’t see hidden obstacles and debris under the surface. Flooded rivers may also contain hidden debris, snakes, spiders, chemicals and sewage.”  

The NSW SES is also encouraging residents to download the Hazards Near Me app to their smart devices or visit Hazard Watch. 

"During holiday periods, it's crucial for those unfamiliar with their surroundings to use the Hazards Near Me app. Set a watch zone for your holiday destination to receive alerts about storms, floods, and other hazards, and know how to stay safe," Acting Assistant Commissioner McQueen said. 

A flood watch is in place for minor flooding for the following catchments:

• Orara River  
• Colo River
• Macdonald River
• Castlereagh River  
• Macquarie River
• Bogan River  
• Lachlan River  
• Belubula River
• Mandagery Creek  
• Tumut River
• Upper Murrumbidgee River to Burrinjuck Dam  
• Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers  
• Barwon River

Flooding is dependent on thunderstorm and rainfall activity which will be closely monitored. 

Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you need assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). 

OPERATIONAL STATISTICS: incidents in 24 hours to 5am Sunday, 1 December. 

Total incidents: 313
Flood rescues: 9

By zone:
Metro: 85
South Eastern: 82 
North Eastern: 26:
North Western: 16
Northern: 15
Southern: 37 
Western: 50