News

The NSW SES is urging residents across NSW to brace for more storms into Friday afternoon and into the weekend. 

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging winds, large hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the Southern Tablelands and parts of the Illawarra, South Coast, Sydney Metro, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes, South West Slopes, Central West Slopes and Plains and Snowy Mountains districts.

NSW SES State Duty Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Paul McQueen is asking residents across the impacted areas to remain vigilant as storms continue.

“I’m urging residents to monitor the conditions as we see these storms continue into the weekend. There is the potential for flash flooding so please ensure you make safe decisions on the road and do not enter any flooded causeways or roads,” Acting Assistant Commissioner said.

“Please do not drive, play or ride through flood waters. Stop, turn around and find an alternative route. If you find yourself trapped on a flooded road call Triple Zero (000) immediately."

Across the state, volunteers have responded to more than 420 incidents since the storms began on Thursday.

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

On Thursday night Appin and Douglas Park experienced a 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.

The NSW SES is standing up additional resources including volunteers and rescue vehicles to ensure they are prepared for storm impacts. 

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

• Colo River 
• Macdonald River 
• Castlereagh River
• Macquarie River to Bathurst 
• Macquarie River downstream of Burrendong Dam 
• Bogan River 
• Lachlan River to Cotton's Weir 
• Mandagery Creek 
• Tumut River 
• Upper Murrumbidgee River to Burrinjuck Dam and Cooma Creek
• Queanbeyan and Molonglo Rivers.

A flood watch is also in place for minor to moderate flooding on the Belubula River.

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

Visit the NSW SES website for the latest information and warnings and download the Hazards Near Me app for up to date localised alerts.

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).