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NSW State Emergency Service (SES) members have responded to more than 3,000 incidents since Wednesday morning, with more weather expected across the north of the state on Thursday evening and into Friday.
Significant thunderstorms impacted the Riverina and southern NSW on Wednesday afternoon, causing widespread damage. Later in the evening, storms downed trees and powerlines and impacted homes in Sydney, the Illawarra and Newcastle/Hunter region.
Severe storms are expected to continue across the state, with rainfall totals of up to 200mm in a 48-hour period possible in parts of the north coast.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing ASFM said more than 900 members had been actively working through incidents across the state due to the storms and would continue to respond alongside their communities.
“We’ve had significant damage recorded in western NSW, the Riverina and the Hunter regions due to the storms. Our members in the Maitland area are working through more than 500 incidents that remain outstanding,” Commissioner Wassing said.
A flood watch has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Orara, Coffs Coast, Bellinger and Kalang, Manning and Gloucester, Myall River, Karuah River, Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter, and Paterson and Williams River catchments with minor flooding possible.
The NSW SES has issued a Watch and Act warning for severe storms in northern NSW. The warning is urging people to stay indoors due to heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and giant hailstones forecast in Tweed Heads and the Northern Rivers on Thursday afternoon.
Commissioner Wassing urged people to stay across the latest warnings and information by downloading the Hazards Near Me app.
“Over the next 48 hours, the most severe weather is expected to impact the area from Port Stephens to South West Rocks, as well as the far north-east of the state,” he said.
“People should prepare themselves now, know their risks and never drive, walk, ride or play in flash flooding should they come across a flooded road or causeway.
“We know families are still enjoying school holidays, but if you do find yourself camping alongside a river or creek, understand your risk and move to higher ground if required.”
For emergency assistance from the NSW SES during floods or storms, call 132 500. For life threatening situations call Triple Zero (000).
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234