‘Stay ready and stay safe': NSW braced for intense rainfall and risk of floods
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watches across NSW, including parts of the mid-north coast, Hunter, Nepean and north west slopes.
A major flood warning has been issued for the Namoi River and a moderate flood warning for the Peel River.
The NSW SES deputy commissioner, Deb Platz, acknowledged people were worn out after a run of wild weather, but she urged people to prepare.
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'We do know that people are tired, and that can lead to some complacency. Please, for your own safety, think of your family, friends and colleagues, your neighbors, please stay abreast of what is happening,' she said. 'We're urging the community to be ready and be safe.'
The weather is expected to deteriorate later on Wednesday, according to the SES, with heavy rainfall likely in areas west of Tamworth and along the northern coast.
The 'wettest period' for NSW and southern Queensland would come between now and Friday, according to the bureau.
Miriam Bradbury, senior meteorologist at the BoM, said widespread and persistent rainfall was expected over the coming days, reaching totals of between 60 and 120mm, with some places likely to receive in excess of 150mm.
'Some of those higher accumulations include places like Sydney [and] all the way up to around the Gold Coast in Queensland,' she said.
That amount of rain falling on already saturated ground could lead to flash flooding and rising rivers, she said.
According to the BoM, the weather system was caused by a low pressure trough along the state's coastline, drawing in moist air from the ocean – with warmer-than-average sea temperatures – and a high pressure system in the southern Tasman Sea.
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By 5pm Wednesday, the SES has issued 28 warnings, including a Watch and Act for people living in Goangra and surrounding areas, near the Namoi river, which could flood.
The SES has already received more than 480 calls for help, and has responded to more than 180 incidents.
Residents in affected areas were encouraged to prepare their homes by clearing gutters and downpipes, trimming trees and tying down loose items.
Platz reminded people to stay out of flooded areas. 'It is extremely dangerous to play, walk through, or drive through any flooded waters, and we do expect to see significant road closures during this particular event.'
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