The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is preparing for the impacts of a possible East Coast Low with heavy rain, damaging winds and large surf, and is urging the community to get ready.
Forecasts show a complex system of coastal lows could rapidly form off the coast today (Monday 30 June), causing flash flooding, coastal erosion and storm damage from Coffs Harbour to Bega, depending on where the low forms.
Widespread rainfall of 50 to 100mm is likely, with isolated rainfall totals of 150 to 200mm possible in some areas. This will be combined with intense winds of up to 125km/h along the coast.
NSW SES Acting Assistant Commissioner Allison Flaxman ESM said while it’s expected to be a complex and dynamic weather system, property damage from destructive winds and flash flooding are significant risks.
‘People should prepare by tying down any loose items around their homes so they don’t become projectiles and damage property in the forecast wind,’ she said.
‘If you do come across flash flooding while driving, do not take the risk of driving through floodwaters. It doesn’t take much water to move your vehicle, and you don’t know what damage has been done to the road surface underneath the floodwaters.’
Prepared
Acting Assistant Commissioner Flaxman said the NSW SES has pre-deployed assets and personnel to high-risk locations and would continue to work with the Bureau of Meteorology on the latest forecasts.
‘NSW SES teams have been monitoring this system for a week, and we have high clearance vehicles, aviation assets and personnel positioned in areas expected to be impacted ahead of the forecast weather,’ she said.
‘We will continue to monitor the development of the weather system closely and issue warnings if required as the forecast tightens.’
To stay across the latest warnings and information, download the Hazards Near Me app, visit the NSW SES website or the Bureau of Meteorology.
If you need assistance from the NSW SES, phone 132 500. If it’s life-threatening call Triple Zero (000).
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