Clean Up in NSW Begins as Flood Warnings Issued on East Coast
Intense downpours have caused flooding in several Sydney communities, while southeast Queensland prepares for heavy rain.
The Hawkesbury River, northwest of Sydney, is expected to experience further river rises and moderate to major flooding into Sunday morning following a week of heavy rainfall totaling 200mm across the catchment area.
The river is forecasted to peak above major flooding levels at North Richmond on Sunday morning, although it is expected to be two meters below the peaks observed during major floods in 2021 and 2022.
As of late Saturday night, there were over 107 warnings in place, with 32 emergency alerts still active on Sunday morning.
The downpour on Friday and Saturday resulted in landslips, flash flooding, and a house in Wollongong being swept into a creek.
Witnesses saw two individuals emerge from the damaged home in Mount Keira.
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Investigations into the death of a man found in water in Penrith will continue on Sunday.
The man, whose cause of death remains unknown, was discovered by a passer-by around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes of the New South Wales (NSW) State Emergency Services mentioned that while the flood threat is diminishing, 352 homes are under evacuation orders.
Mr. Burnes stated to Nine’s Weekend Today that the cleanup efforts will be significant and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of people and livestock.
Cloudy conditions and scattered showers are forecasted for the most affected areas on Sunday, including Sydney and Wollongong.
The weather system’s final impact is expected to affect the northeast of the state with thunderstorms, possibly severe, on Sunday.
Furthermore, heavy rainfall is predicted to hit parts of Queensland on Sunday, with up to 200mm expected in the southeast.
A major flood warning is in effect for the Warrego River in the state’s southwest, and flood warnings have been issued for Eyre Creek, Weir River, Balonne River, Moonie River, and Norman River.
The Nindooinbah and Moogerah dams, located over 100km west of the Gold Coast, have begun releasing excess water.
