Constant Rainfall Puts Sydney Police in a Tough Spot
A slow-moving low-pressure system is causing heavy rainfall across NSW, leading to severe weather warnings in areas such as Sydney.
Parts of Illawarra received an unusually high amount of rain, with around 180mm falling in just 24 hours, equivalent to a month’s worth according to Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines.
This slow-moving weather system is expected to move away on Friday, bringing relief from the heavy rain.
Severe weather warnings are in place for areas between Oberon and Ulladulla, with southern Sydney suburbs and the Illawarra district expected to experience the heaviest rainfall.
The bureau forecasts that parts of the Illawarra district, the south coast, and southern sections of Sydney could receive over 100mm of rain between June 6 and June 9, with isolated areas possibly exceeding 200mm or even 250mm.
Flood warnings are active for various rivers in the region, with a moderate warning issued for the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.
Residents in Penrith and nearby areas are advised to prepare for possible moderate flooding on the Nepean River due to the heavy rainfall expected.
The recent wet conditions have caused Warragamba Dam to near capacity, raising concerns of potential spills and further pressure on river systems in Sydney’s outskirts.
The return of a La Nina weather pattern, predicted by the bureau, could bring even wetter conditions to the region later in the year.
After the end of an El Nino event in April, which typically brings hotter and drier weather, Australia now faces the possibility of increased rainfall due to the impending La Nina pattern.
