19 June 2007

More severe weather on the way for southern and central NSW coast

The Bureau of Meteorology in Sydney today warned of a return to high winds and rain for southern and central coastal parts of NSW later on Tuesday and Wednesday. This will be the third intense weather system to affect the NSW coast in the past fortnight.

An intense low is expected to develop rapidly off Sydney overnight Tuesday with southerly winds reaching storm force in NSW south coastal waters Tuesday evening, extending through Sydney and Hunter waters to the Mid North Coast on Wednesday morning. “Seas will be very dangerous off the NSW coast Tuesday night and into Wednesday”, said the Bureau's Regional Director in NSW Barry Hanstrum.

“Damaging winds with gusts to 100km/h are expected along the coastal strip from Nowra to Forster, including the eastern parts of Sydney, commencing before sunrise on Wednesday morning.

The heaviest rain from this storm is expected to be to the south of Sydney sparing the Hunter region that bore the brunt of flooding earlier in the month.

People should stay tuned to the Bureau's severe weather and coastal waters warnings which will up-dated regularly during Tuesday.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Director General, Brigadier Philip McNamara said, “with the recent heavy rain and damaging winds and the predicted worsening weather, there will be a greater risk to life and property”. “I urge people to prepare and take extreme care during storm conditions” he added.

The SES advises people to prepare before the storm by:

• Securing and putting away any loose items from around the house yard and/or balcony
• Moving vehicles under secure cover and away from trees
• Keeping an eye on their local weather conditions
• Listening to their local radio stations for updates and advice
• Boat owners ensuring their vessels are appropriately secured

During the storm, the SES advises people to:

• Stay inside and away from windows
• Keep clear of fallen trees and power lines
• Never drive, ride or walk through floodwater, including flash floodwater and stay well clear of creeks, storm drains, culverts and causeways
• Stay out of the water and areas exposed to surf
• Owners of coastal properties should keep a careful watch on any coastal erosion and be prepared to act on advice from authorities if necessary

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500

A return to more settled weather is expected later in the week as the low moves rapidly away towards New Zealand.

Useful Links:

• Latest Weather Observations for New South Wales
• Latest Rainfall Maps
• Radar
• Rainfall forecast maps
• Climate Averages

For further information contact:
Bureau of Meteorology: 92961555.
SES Media 42257500.