NSW weather: More flooding forecast with days of rain to come

Clean-up efforts are on pause as NSW braces for more flooding while commuters are warned to expect train chaos.

As clean-up efforts continue across NSW in the wake of the deadly flood disaster, the state is bracing for more flooding with a three-day rain event forecast.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) says heavy rainfall and storms forecast from Sunday through to Tuesday could trigger a renewed flood risk in the already inundated Hawkesbury-Nepean.

Rivers are already responding to heavy rainfall, with renewed major flooding already seen at North Richmond in the Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River.

Farmland near Windsor on Monday morning. Picture John Grainger

Windsor Bridge on Monday morning. Picture John Grainger

Residents in the Hawkesbury River are bracing for more wild weather. Picture: Tim Hunter

Residents in flood-ravaged Lismore are now bracing for more flash flooding after severe thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tenterfield and Dorrigo.

It comes as Transport for NSW issued a warning for commuters to expect delays on Monday amid the renewed wet weather.

“Due to severe weather conditions, significant delays and cancellations are expected on most Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink Intercity and Regional trains services,” a statement from TfNSW read.

“Trains will run to a changed timetable and will take longer than normal to reach your destination. Avoid any non-essential travel and if you do need to use the network please plan ahead and leave plenty of extra travel time.”

Round two NRLW match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Parramatta Eels at WIN Stadium on Sunday. Picture: Getty

The weather alert and travel warnings come as clean-up efforts continue across the coast, with works suspended in Wisemans Ferry ahead of the expected downpour.

BOM duty forecaster Grace Legge said the renewed flood risk could see 100-200mm fall in parts over two to three days.

“There is a risk over the next few days at least of heavy rainfall through the Hawkesbury-Nepean but that could move further north,” she said.

As of 5:30am on Monday, the BOM said the Hawkesbury-Nepean had already peaked again with major flooding at North Richmond and Wisemans Ferry as well as moderate flooding in Windsor, Sackville, Lower Portland, and Wisemans Ferry.

Minor flooding is occurring at Penrith and at Menangle, but so far flood levels have stayed lower than last week’s waters in all areas.

The NSW Coastal Rivers from the Bellinger River on the Mid-North Coast to the Bega River on the South Coast have also been put on high alert, with a flood watch issued.

⚠️ Moderate to Major #Flood Warning issued for the #NepeanRiver, #HawkesburyRiver and #ColoRiver. Renewed major flooding occurring at #NorthRichmond. See https://t.co/AdztI2rqg1 for details and updates; follow advice from @NSWSES. #NSWFloodspic.twitter.com/oKY5tTUQZV

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) March 5, 2022

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for heavy rainfall with falls of up to 140mm in parts which may lead to flash flooding in the Illawarra and parts of Hunter, parts of Metropolitan Sydney, South Coast, Central Tablelands and the Southern Tablelands districts.

Hawkesbury-Nepean residents are bracing for flooding to reach levels similar to those experienced over the past week as further heavy rainfall into early next week causes renewed rises.

Minor to major flooding is also possible for coastal catchments from the Northern Rivers to the South Coast including Greater Sydney from late Sunday.

The focus of the heaviest rainfall, and rivers at greatest risk are those extending from Greater Sydney to the Hunter, where moderate to major flooding is possible.

An SES Crew out near Wisemans Ferry on Saturday deliver supplies to Mark Hollen, a resident cut off by floodwaters on the Hawkesbury River. Picture: Tim Hunter

Renewed moderate to major flooding is possible along the Upper Nepean River on Sunday and Monday.

Moderate flooding is already occurring along the Colo River, however, major flooding is possible.

Major flooding is occurring along the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond, however, renewed major flooding is possible at Windsor and renewed moderate flooding is possible at Penrith, Sackville, Lower Portland and Wisemans Ferry.

Large waves crash across Bondi pool as the east coast of the state continues to be inundated by wet weather on Sunday. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Renewed moderate to major flooding is also possible in the Hunter, Paterson, Williams, Gloucester and the Manning Rivers from Sunday.

The State Emergency Services (SES) is reminding people to never drive, ride or walk through flood waters.

Ms Legge said the severe weather conditions should ease from Wednesday, with showers likely to continue for the next week.

“Once we get through to about Wednesday we could see a little bit of an ease as the system pulls away,” she said.

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.