Editor’s note: news grabs with Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey and file overlay vision available here; https://spaces.hightail.com/space/S8B5I5Xrnq
People in the South West Slopes and Plains should prepare for severe weather which could lead to flash flooding and riverine rises this weekend, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) warns.
On Friday afternoon, storms are expected in the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, Lower Western, South Coast and Upper Western forecast districts.
However, a front is expected to intensify in the southwest of the state from Saturday, bringing widespread rainfall totals of 30-50mm, with localised falls of up to 100mm in the Southern Tablelands, Riverina, Central West, Central Tablelands.
The communities expected to be impacted on Saturday are Holbrook, Tumut, Gundagai, Young, Cootamundra, Wagga, the Snowy Mountains and surrounds. Minor flooding is also occurring in the state’s northwest on the Paroo, Warrego and Barwon Rivers.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey encouraged people to know their risk and prepare for the impacts of floods and storms.
“The NSW SES is prepared for thunderstorm activity over the next 48 hours, with severe storms and heavy rain likely in the south and west of the state,” Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
“However, people should be across their local forecast and stay across the latest information and warnings by downloading the Hazards Near Me app.”
Assistant Commissioner Storey said the main risk associated with the forecast weather was flash flooding and riverine rises.
“The NSW SES is reminding people to drive to the conditions and not through flash flooding,” he said.
“If you come across a flooded road, stop and find an alternative route because it’s not worth the risk to your life, or the lives of our volunteers.”
NSW SES Incident Controller for Western NSW, Superintendent Colin Jones said the Barwon River had peaked at Collarenebri yesterday.
"We saw a handful of properties affected by isolation in the lower parts of the community, but thankfully the Walli Village was not impacted by the floodwater, as it has been in previous flooding events in 2021 and 2022."
Superintendent Jones said flood waters along the Barwon were expected to slowly move down to Walgett over the weekend.
"NSW SES has deployed a high-clearance Unimog vehicle and numerous boats should to the area should be required,” he said.
For assistance from the NSW SES, call 132 500. If it’s life threatening, phone Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234