Central Coast storms: Warnings of thunderstorms, intense rainfall and dangerous surf
It’s not over yet with the BOM warning there’s more thunderstorms, intense rainfall and abnormally high tides on the way.
Central Coast
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The sun is out, flood waters are slowly receding and the clean up continues, however the Central Coast is not out of the woods yet.
The Bureau of Meteorology has warned there is a strong change of thunderstorms, heavy rain, flooding and dangerous surf conditions for the next four days.
Abnormally high tides are expected tomorrow morning for the entire New South Wales coast.
Over the past three days, the coast has been battered by flash flooding, torrential rain and dangerous surf conditions with more than 300mm of rain falling across the region.
Central Coast SES units have received more than 1150 calls for assistance, including 35 flood rescues.
“We are continuing to urge people to, please, stay out of floodwaters, never ride, walk, play around, or drive through floodwaters,” Gosford SES has advised.
“Our volunteers have been working well into the night and are back at it this morning. We are working very hard to make sure every single Coastie gets the help they need, however with over 300 calls for assistance still to be helped, there will be significant delays. We ask for your patience during this time.”
Minor flooding has been reported for Tuggerah Lake, with the Long Jetty section of the lake
peaking near 1.7 metres. This has caused flooding at properties and roadways in Berkeley Vale, Chittaway Point, Long Jetty, Tacoma, Tacoma South and the Entrance North.
Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride said there had been flood rescues in the northern areas of the coast.
“Wyong Aged Care facility in McPherson Road, Mardi is isolated. NSW SES Wyong Unit is currently transporting staff and supplies to and from the facility using a punt,” she said.
“The Central Coast Emergency Operations Centre is on standby for activation if necessary.”
When Central Coast Council announced Level 1 water restrictions last week, the Mangrove Creek Dam was at 50.1 per cent.
The dam is now at 53.25 per cent, with total Central Coast water storage at 54.6 per cent.
Fourteen Central Coast schools closed today due to safety issues such as flooding, power failures and fallen trees. Schools are expected to advise on whether they will open tomorrow later this afternoon or early tomorrow morning.
Ausgrid are continuing to work on power outages, advising that 23,000 homes and businesses across the Central Coast remain without power.
Ausgrid has revealed it has been one of the biggest storms experienced on its network in 20 years.
Many roads remain closed across the coast, with authorities continuing to advise people not to enter flood waters or go near fallen trees or powerlines.
Council has advised Wyong River is continuing to rise with the back end of the river flooding.
“There are multiple road closures across our region, including trees over roads,” Mayor Lisa Matthews said.
“Please do not go near our waterways at this time – flood is a significant risk and it is not safe to be at these locations.
“The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is doing an incredible job for our community in these difficult conditions. For emergency help in floods and storms call the SES on 132 500.
“Council crews are currently working around the clock across our road network and on impacted water and sewer services. We will restore services as quickly as possible and we ask that our community be patient in these very difficult conditions.”
The first official council meeting of 2020 scheduled for tonight has been postponed to Wednesday night in Gosford.