New South Wales | Flooding and severe thunderstorm update from SES

New South Wales | 27 Jan 2012

The combination of a high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea and a trough over Queensland is directing moist east to north-easterly winds across New South Wales. This synoptic pattern, assisted by the presence of a broad upper-level trough over the north-western NSW, is generating patchy rain areas and isolated thunderstorms and heavy rain over the north of the state. As the upper trough moves north-westward today and tomorrow, although showers will continue in coastal areas, the focus of heavy rainfall is expected to move westwards to northern inland areas west of the ranges.

Updated Flood Warnings are available from the Bureau of Meteorology website.

A total of 50 flood rescues have been completed by the NSW SES with the majority of these in the Tweed area of NSW and three in the Broken Hill area due to flash flooding from heavy rainfall. The SES reminds people to never drive, ride, walk or play in floodwater.

The isolation of many properties and townships also remain the focus of SES volunteers in the north east of NSW. Approximately 12,000 people are estimated to be currently isolated including areas of Bellingen, Thora, Darkwood and upper Macleay and Mullumbimbi areas as well as along the Nambucca, Nymboida, Orara, Kalang, Clarance Rivers and the Pillar Valley and Coalstream River systems.

Severe Weather including heavy rainfall was reported in Broken Hill resulting in requests for assistance coming in to the SES mainly for leaking roofs and trees down. Three flood rescues were also reported in this area, with all being removed from floodwater safe.

For SES advice on preparing for, responding to and recovering from floods and storms, visit the SES FloodSafe and StormSafe pages.

The SES will continue to monitor the situation in the north east of NSW and Broken Hill areas. Thank you to the volunteers who generously assist their communities in times of need and their families and employers who support this. The SES would also like to thank the assistance from the Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Volunteer Rescue Association and the Ambulance Service of NSW.