Southern Highlands expects downpour in time for school holidays

The Southern Highlands is bracing for heavy rainfall this weekend, with council also announcing road closures. Find out if you’re affected.

The Southern Highlands is bracing for heavy rainfall this weekend, with council announcing several road closures.

The Bureau of Meteorology sent out a weather update on Friday which applies to Bowral as well as the Illawarra, South Coast and Sydney, warning communities of six-hourly rainfall totals between 80mm to 150mm that could lead to flash flooding.

Bowral is predicted to have 90mm to 120mm of rain on Saturday, 100mm to 150mm on Sunday and 60mm to 90mm on Monday, before settling down next week.

NSW flooding in April which led to heavy rainfall in the Southern Highlands. Picture: Adelaide Lang

Wingecarribee Shire Council also advised that both Old South Road and Range Road will be temporarily closed to those who don’t live on those roads, due to the heavy rainfall forecast.

Range Road will be temporarily closed from the Tourist Road intersection north to the roundabout on Old South Road.

Likewise, Old South Road will be closed from the aforementioned roundabout north to the junction of the Old Hume Highway.

Wingecarribee Shire Council announced temporary road closures for Old South Road and Range Road for this rainy weekend.

“The decision to temporarily close both roads and only permit residential traffic was made in the interests of public safety and following consultation with NSW Police,” a statement read.

“Both roads will be reassessed following the predicted heavy rainfall event.”

“Council apologises for any inconvenience and reminds motorists to never drive through flood waters.”

Self-fill sandbag stations have been prepared by Wingecarribee SES in time for the wet weather, which are available at the following locations:

Mittagong: Corner of Old Hume Highway and Wombeyan Caves Road.

Bowral: Stephens Park, 12-28 Derby Street, Bowral (to the right of the amenities block)

Moss Vale: Moss Vale Saleyards, 205 Berrima Rd, Moss Vale.

Colo Vale: Opposite Colo Vale Community Hall, 28 Railway Avenue, Colo Vale

Robertson: RFS Station, 1 Wallangunda Street, Robertson

Locals are being told to bring their own shovels and call 132 500 to advise the SES of how many sandbags they have taken to make sure supply levels are up-kept.

Heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding is expected in the highlighted areas: Picture: Bureau of Meteorology

With the flu and Covid still present in the community, NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York urged residents to be proactive: to look at whether they can stay with family and friends, and to be conscious of their individual health.

“Make those plans now and reach out and contact them, and make sure you know where to go,” she said.

“The school holidays period starts today, and we know that there will be a lot of people planning holidays and planning to move around NSW.

“So, be safe and do your investigation of where you’re going to go, how you’re going to get there, and whether it’s safe to go at all.

“Really think about the safety of you and your families.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.