The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is responding to slowly rising river catchments as flood warnings are issued, and rainfall records are broken in Western parts of the state.
The Bureau of Meteorology has recorded more than 158 millimetres (mm) of rain in Walgett and 138mm in Lightning Ridge in the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday, breaking daily rainfall records for the gauges.
Minor flooding is occurring on several catchments in the Western, North Eastern and Mid North Coast areas, including the Northern Rivers and North West Slopes. Moderate flooding is possible on the Gloucester River.
With further forecast rainfall across the state, renewed rises are likely across several catchments.
A severe weather warning is current for heavy rainfall and damaging winds in parts of Hunter, Mid North Coast, Sydney, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Central Tablelands, South West Slopes, North West Slopes and Plains districts.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 70 mm are likely in the North West Slopes on Saturday, with isolated falls around 85 mm possible.
In the South Coast and Illawarra, 24-hour rainfall totals between 50 to 80 mm are likely, with isolated falls up to 110mm possible.
Sydney suburbs are expected to see up to 90mm of rain throughout Saturday, which could lead to flash flooding on busy roads.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said while there’s minor flooding on several rivers, the main risk associated with the widespread rain was flash flooding.
“Flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning, and we urge people to never drive through floodwaters,” he said.
“The public are advised to monitor the conditions and download the Hazards Near Me App to stay up to date with the latest information.”
In the 24 hours to midday Saturday the NSW SES responded to 336 calls for assistance, including three flood rescues.
For emergency assistance in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. If it’s life-threatening, call Triple zero (000).
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234