Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

 
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Minor flood warning for the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers

26/08/2015

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that minor flooding is likely in the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers following the expected spill of Warragamba Dam overnight (Wednesday).

Bureau of Meteorology Acting New South Wales Regional Director, Mr Stephen Lellyett, said heavy rain triggered by an East Coast Low had fallen over the past two days.

“In the 48 hours to 9am Wednesday, up to 160mm of rain has fallen in the Wollondilly River, upstream of the Warragamba Dam, and up to 170mm has been recorded in the Nepean Valley,” Mr Lellyett said.

A Severe Weather Warning for the Illawarra and South Coast was cancelled Wednesday afternoon, however, flood warnings are still current for the Hawkesbury and Nepean, Shoalhaven, and Lachlan Rivers, and St Georges Basin.

“At this stage, with Warragamba Dam expected to spill overnight, minor flooding is likely along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers, similar to flooding seen in March 2012.” Mr Lellyett said.

Predicted river heights and flows along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers:

  • Menangle – Peak near 9m around midnight Wednesday with minor flooding
  • Camden – Peak below minor flood level

The following predictions are provisional and subject to review as the event unfolds:

  • Wallacia Weir – reach 5m around 3pm Thursday afternoon with minor flooding
  • Penrith – reach 5m around noon Thursday with minor flooding
  • North Richmond – reach 8m around 6pm Thursday evening with minor flooding
  • Windsor – reach 6m around 9pm Thursday night with minor flooding.

The public are urged to closely monitor the Bureau’s website, tune into the media andlocal radio, and listen to the advice of emergency services.

For storm and flood assistance, contact the NSW SES on 132 500, and for life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).

For further information www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings/

The Bureau is now also using Twitter to disseminate significant weather information to the New South Wales community. Follow @BOM_NSW.

The Bureau's website remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive official source of information.