NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is warning holidaymakers camping near rivers and creeks on the Central Coast, Mid North Coast and North Coast to prepare for severe weather.
The warning comes as NSW SES responds to more than 130 incidents in the last 24 hours. Most of the incidents have been wind related, such as fallen trees and powerlines.
Destructive winds have caused damage in the state’s south. At Bomen, in the state’s Riverina, multiple people were injured after demountable huts they were camping in flipped in high winds. Meanwhile, at Culcairn a roof was ripped completely off after destructive winds went through the area. At Tarcutta, a number of trees have come down onto vehicles.
The NSW SES has issued a Watch and Act warning for the area advising residents to stay indoors. There are widespread power outages.
Locally heavy rain, flash flooding, hail and damaging winds are expected to continue this afternoon through to Thursday across much of the state. There is a chance the storms could form a line this afternoon in southern and central areas of the state with destructive winds possible.
Severe thunderstorms are set to combine with a low pressure weather system that is expected to bring locally significant rain from Thursday, through to Saturday. Widespread rain of 30-80 millimeters is expected, with some localised higher totals between 100-200 millimeters of rain possible. Friday is estimated to be the peak day for rain.
A flood watch has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Orara, Coffs Coast, Bellinger and Kalang River Catchments, Manning and Gloucester, Myall River, Karuah River, Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter, and Paterson and Williams River, with minor flooding possible.
NSW SES Senior Manager of State Operations, Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes said it was important holiday makers were aware of the forecast and make decisions ahead of poor weather.
“Now is the time to have a chat to your families and make decisions if you still wish to camp in locations near creeks and rivers,” Chief Superintendent Burnes said.
“We may see rapid river level rises and flash flooding which will make things challenging should you try and leave.
“Strong winds could bring down trees and powerlines, as well as cause damage to properties.
“You could find yourself bogged, and in need of assistance.
“If you plan to leave those areas and camp at higher locations, you should relocate today, before the onset of poor weather.”
For the latest warning and information visit ses.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me App.
For assistance during floods, storm and tsunami call the NSW SES on 132 500 or for life threatening situations call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234