NSW battered by wild weather as SES responds to thousands of storm and flood-related emergencies
Thousands of homes lost power and entire communities were evacuated as a powerful coastal low lashed NSW, with SES crews now shifting into clean-up mode after a chaotic 48 hours.
NSW
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Emergency crews are beginning the massive task of cleaning up after a powerful east coast low battered NSW, toppling trees, flooding homes and knocking out power to tens of thousands of properties.
The NSW State Emergency Service has responded to more than 3800 incidents since the storm system began wreaking havoc on Tuesday night, with 1442 call-outs in the past 24 hours alone, including two flood rescues.
While the worst of the weather has passed, hazardous surf warnings remain in place and damaging winds may linger across parts of the Northern Rivers, mid-north coast and Northern Tablelands on Thursday morning.
Conditions are forecast to ease throughout the day as the system moves further east into the Tasman Sea.
A total of more than 2000 SES volunteers and emergency service partners have been involved in the storm response.
The brunt of the emergency call-outs involved fallen trees and powerlines, damaged homes and vehicles, as well as flooding incidents.
In one of the hardest-hit areas on the South Coast, Ulladulla recorded 224mm of rain in 24 hours, while towns such as Lake Conjola, Burrill Lake and Sussex Inlet saw evacuations or urgent warnings as floodwaters rose.
On Wednesday, power outages affected upwards of 65,000 homes and businesses, while massive waves of up to 8m slammed into the Illawarra and South Coast, tearing apart beachfront properties and causing further damage to infrastructure. By Wednesday night power was restored to the worst hit areas.
Emergency Warnings for Sanctuary Point and Burrill Lake have now been downgraded, but damage assessments are continuing across affected communities.
Warragamba Dam began spilling for the second time this year, adding to flood concerns for downstream communities. Sydney’s Upper Nepean River, Cooks River, and Colo River all remained on flood watch as of late on Wednesday.
Sydney is set to enjoy a stretch of clearer weather, with sunshine expected to return from Friday following a week of wild winds and rain.
After a partly cloudy Thursday with a slight chance of a morning shower and a top of 18C, the skies will clear for a sunny Friday, with light winds and little to no chance of rain.
Saturday will bring more fine conditions, with partly cloudy skies and a mild top of 19C, while Sunday is forecast to be slightly warmer at 21C with just a slight chance of afternoon or evening showers.
The SES is continuing to respond to storm-related jobs and conduct assessments.
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Originally published as NSW battered by wild weather as SES responds to thousands of storm and flood-related emergencies
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