Flood threat for southern and central New South Wales and the ACT

28/02/2012

The Bureau of Meteorology warned today that heavy rain and thunderstorms pose a significant flood threat to large parts of the southern half of NSW and the ACT.

The Bureau has issued a Severe Weather Warning and Flood Watch for large parts of central and southern NSW with heavy rain developing today and increasing on Wednesday and Thursday. The Nepean-Hawkesbury River which provides a border to western Sydney is included in the Flood Watch and is likely to flood before the end of the week.

Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Regional Director, Mr Barry Hanstrum, said a major rainfall event is unfolding and we expect flooding to develop in the coming days.

"The heaviest falls are most likely in a band running between Broken Hill to the southern half of the coast including Ivanhoe, Forbes, Young, Cowra, Canberra, Goulburn, Wollongong and Sydney. Some locations could receive falls in excess of 300mm over the next several days," said Mr Hanstrum.

"This event is perhaps the most significant rainfall event that some of these areas have seen in decades and records may be broken. I urge people to keep a close eye on the latest warnings issued by the Bureau," he said.

New South Wales State Emergency Service Commissioner Mr Murray Kear has urged people in areas affected to prepare now.

"People living and working along rivers and streams in the areas affected by the Flood Watch and warnings should prepare now. If you live in rural areas lift pumps and relocate livestock and equipment to higher ground. If isolation is likely stock up now on food, fuel, medicine and other essential items," said Mr Kear.

"In urban areas if you are in a flood prone location activate your flood plan and prepare your property and family. It is particularly important that once heavy rain begins to fall you and your family stay well clear of floodwater. If you need help call the NSW SES on 132 500 or 000 if it is a life-threatening emergency."