Central Coast storms ensure busy weekend for SES volunteers

Resident are being urged to be careful on roads as storms and heavy rainfall continues across the Central Coast today.

STORMS and heavy rainfall has lashed the Central Coast with almost 150 calls to the SES across the region over the past 24 hours.

Conditions aren’t expected to ease until late today.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for Central Coast beaches with large and powerful surf conditions expected and hazardous conditions for activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.

Central Coast storms: Sea St Woy Woy. Severe storms have lashed the Central Coast with the SES logging more than 140 calls for assistance. More than 140mm of rain dropped in some areas.

Gosford SES controller Rolf Garda said despite the poor conditions and heavy rainfall, it could have been worse.

“It’s nowhere near as bad as it was last year,” he said.

“There’s been little to no wind which has saved us a little bit.”

Mr Garda said there were a few issues affecting residents more than others.

“There is a bit of localised flooding occurring, but most of calls have for leaking roofs and trees down.

Surf club members, locals & fire fighters laid sandbags to protect the Avoca Beach Surf Club & cafe, as the storm swell threatened to flood them. Picture: Troy Snook

“We’ve had a lot of rain with 140mm in some areas and there have been 69 calls overnight.”

The areas that have received the most rain so far are Woy Woy (149mm), Koolewong (143mm), East Gosford (139mm) and Mt Elliott (137mm).

Wyong SES media officer Allan Benson said they had completed half of the 70 jobs they had received so far.

Central Coast storms: Mackenzie Ave and Onslow Ave, Woy Woy. Severe storms have lashed the Central Coast with the SES logging more than 140 calls for assistance. More than 140mm of rain dropped in some areas.

“I’m confident we’ll get through the rest today,” he said.

“We have three crews in the field and they will be assisted by two RFS crews.

“I’m expecting more of the same today and the jobs are still coming in.

“The worst hit areas for us have been The Entrance, Shelly Beach and Bateau Bay.”

In light of the atrocious conditions it appears road users are still not getting the message of driving to the conditions.

Surf club members, locals & fire fighters laid sandbags to protect the Avoca Beach Surf Club & cafe, as the storm swell threatened to flood them. Picture: Troy Snook

Brisbane Water Police duty officer Detective Inspector John Zdrilic emphasised the importance of being cautious.

“There has been a few accidents and that is what I’d like to get across to people, they need to drive to the conditions,” he said.

Central Coast storms: Veron Rd, Woy Woy. Severe storms have lashed the Central Coast with the SES logging more than 140 calls for assistance. More than 140mm of rain dropped in some areas.

“All drivers need to be that little bit extra cautious in conditions like these because people aren’t used to driving in them.

“Also when you drive through pools of water there is a high chance of hydragliding (aquaplaning) which is very dangerous.”

Central Coast storms: Sea St Woy Woy. Severe storms have lashed the Central Coast with the SES logging more than 140 calls for assistance. More than 140mm of rain dropped in some areas.

The forecast for today according to the bureau of meteorology is for heavy rain in the morning and afternoon that will become less likely in the evening.

There is a also the chance of a thunderstorm during the morning and afternoon.