Defence force prepared to help NSW against flood threat on Sunday

A pair of Australian Defence Force helicopters and 100 personnel will be at NSW’s disposal on Sunday as flash flooding, up to 150mm of rain in six hours and dangerous winds loom.

Two ADF helicopters and 100 troops will be provided by the federal government on Sunday as NSW prepares for the possibility of another major flood.

It comes as 4,000 in low-lying areas of southwest Sydney have this morning been told to evacuate before they are cut off by rising floodwaters.

The night-time choppers and on the ground troops mainly help with evacuations and clean-up if required.

“We hope these resources won’t be needed, but the point is we are making sure they are ready if they are needed so those resources will be on standby when the NSW government deems they are necessary,” minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said.

It comes as the Hawkesbury Nepean SES prepares for the worst.

despite only experiencing a “dizzle” on Saturday morning, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned major floods are possible over the coming days.

Two defence helicopters and 100 army personnel are going to be on standby as NSW braces for potential major flooding tomorrow.

2,000 sandbags are being shipped to the region’s SES headquarters and SES volunteers are currently checking boats and making sure resources are available on both sides of the river in case key bridges are flooded over.

“If you were impacted by the previous floods lets take this seriously and make sure you have adequate food supplies,” Hawkesbury Nepean SES deputy unit commander David King said.

Mr King warned residents close to the Hawkesbury not to panic but to prepare for a worst case scenario, especially those with animals or in caravan parks.

“We can get another flooding event again - start getting prepared, but without being alarmed.”

PREPARE FOR EVACUATION

The Upper Hawkesbury Nepean River system could hit major flood levels overnight and Water NSW is preparing for significant spills of the Warragamba Dam.

Residents close to the river system hit by the previous floods this year should prepare for the worst case scenario of evacuations as early as tonight.

NSW Emergency Services minister Steph Cooke has warned east coast suburbs and cities could be “very dangerous places” as the deluge worsens.

“If you have not yet been impacted by rainfall, don’t think you have been spared. We may not have seen the worst of it yet,” Ms Cooke said.

SES Commissioner Carlene York. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

Ms Cooke said there is a very real threat of flooding from Newcastle to Jervis Bay.

SES Commissioner Carlene York said volunteers are currently door knocking in Picton where residents are at risk of flooding.

“We have pre deployed a lot of resources out to the field already, so our units have stood up in an operational capacity across this broad area from the Hunter at least down onto the south coast,” she said.

Commissioner York said residents along the Hawkesbury hit by the last floods should be packing an emergency kit with documents, personal items and clothing today in case they need to evacuate.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CHAOS

It comes as flash flooding, dangerous winds and heavy downpours are set to ruin school holiday weekend plans as forecasters warn of a “significant rainfall event”.

A severe weather warning from the Bureau of Meteorology is in place for the east coast including Sydney metro, Illawarra, parts of South Coast, Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands.

Heavy rainfall is expected over the weekend with a months worth of rain predicted along the east coast. Picture: David Swift

The deluge could see 150mm of rainfall in just six hours, with the BOM warning Sydney and the Illawarra could see flash flooding throughout the weekend.

A surface trough has formed off the coast of Sydney and is remaining stationary, meaning the low pressure system is expected to push rain throughout Sydney without much of a break.

There is a possibility of an East Coast Low forming which would keep the downpour around well into next week.

The BOM has issued a flood warning for the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers — with the heavy rain there is a possibility of yet another major flood for the region.

There is also a flood watch in place for rivers across the east coast from the Hunter to the South Coast.

“Rainfall is expected to intensify further in the new week and may cause additional river rises and flooding along the NSW coast,” the bureau warned.

The SES warns families to reconsider holiday plans. Picture: Jeremy Piper

The SES has already started to respond to flood rescue calls with two calls in Kiama and one in Shoalhaven.

SES spokesman Greg Nash said the calls were from people stuck in their homes as flood water rushed in.

In the 24 hours to 5am Saturday there were 233 calls for assistance, with over 120 of those on the South Coast and 67 in Sydney.

“We understand that people want to get away for the school holidays, but plan where you are going and investigate if you can get there or if it is safe to go in the first place,” Mr Nash said.

“It’s great to get away with a holiday but sometimes it’s better to be safe at home.”

Mr Nash warned caravan parks and camping grounds can be particularly vulnerable to flooding.

The SES said with the ground already soaked from previous wet weather flash flooding can develop quickly and there is an increased chance of falling trees and landslides

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