News

Editors note: Images from Appin and Wellington available here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/s9DffSQULY

Severe thunderstorms on Thursday afternoon and evening impacted many areas including Sydney, the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains districts.

Appin and Douglas Park experienced severe storm impact with many trees brought down, damaged roofs and uprooted fences. The main access route of Appin Road was closed in both directions for a number of hours. NSW SES led the response with assistance from other emergency services organisations, utility companies and the Wollondilly Shire Council.

Around 50 emergency crews from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police have worked through the night to restore access. Appin Road was reopened to the public around 2am.

Crews will continue to be active today in and around Appin assisting with clean up efforts.

Meanwhile, NSW SES volunteers were kept busy in Western Zone with 48 incidents, including large trees in Wellington which closed roads and damaged properties.

Looking further ahead, widespread showers are expected during Friday through to Sunday combining with possible thunderstorms. 

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

• Colo River minor flooding 

• Macdonald River  

• Castlereagh River minor flooding 

• Macquarie River to Bathurst minor flooding 

• Macquarie River d/s Burrendong Dam minor flooding 

• Bogan River minor flooding 

• Lachlan River to Cotton's Weir minor flooding 

• Belubula River minor to moderate flooding 

• Mandagery Creek minor flooding 

• Tumut River minor flooding 

• Upper Murrumbidgee River to Burrinjuck Dam and Cooma Ck minor flooding 

• Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers minor flooding

Flooding is dependent on thunderstorm and rainfall activity which will be closely monitored. For the latest information and warnings visit ses.nsw.gov.au

Operational Statistics:

Incidents across NSW during this weather event: 365

Flood Rescues: 0

Incidents by zone:

Metro Zone: 123

North Eastern Zone: 16

North Western Zone: 9

Northern Zone: 57

South Eastern Zone: 70

Southern Zone: 33

Western Zone: 48

State Headquarters: 9

Safety messages: 

• Prepare your homes ahead of the storms- clean your gutters, trim trees away from buildings.  

• Put away loose items in your yard which could be blown and cause damage during strong winds 

• Do not park your vehicles under trees or powerlines 

• If you come across a flooded road, please turn around and find an alternative route. Never drive, walk or play in flood waters. 

• Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without an official warning. Monitor rainfall in your areas and avoid travelling during heavy rain. 

• Avoid camping near water and under trees as rivers and creeks could rise quickly and without much warning as intense storm cells develop. 

• Download the Hazards Near Me App or visitses.nsw.gov.au to stay across any warnings 

• Check Live Traffic before embarking on any travel as roads may be damaged and closed.
  
  
• For assistance from the NSW SES during floods or storms, call 132 500. For life threatening situations call Triple Zero (000).