The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is monitoring forecast moderate to heavy rainfall and damaging winds across the state and has prepositioned teams and assets ahead of the weather deteriorating from Friday and into the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting widespread 24-hour rainfall totals of more than 50 millimetres for much of the inland throughout tonight and tomorrow (Friday). The front will move to eastern parts of the state on Saturday, with isolated rainfall totals of up to 100 millimetres in 24 hours possible in some locations.
There is a chance of damaging gale-force winds along the southern half of the coastal fringe later Saturday and into Sunday, with gusts of up to 90km/h possible.
Localised heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding, however no major riverine flooding is expected.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey encouraged the community to be alert but not alarmed about the weekend forecast.
“The Bureau is forecasting moderate-heavy rainfall in some areas. For inland areas, that rain may fall in three hours or less with thunderstorms and exceed the March average monthly rainfall for some locations,” Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
“The biggest risk with this forecast is flash flooding, and I urge the community to never drive, walk, or play in floodwaters because you do not know what is below the surface; the road could be gone, and the power of the moving water could sweep you away.”
The NSW SES has prepositioned assets, including high clearance vehicles, flood rescue teams and helicopters ahead of the weather.
Assistant Commissioner Storey encouraged people to download the Hazards Near Me app or visit the NSW SES website to stay across the latest warnings and information.
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