Central Coast weather: Roads flooding and alligator relocated as severe weather warning remains

An American alligator took advantage of the torrential rain on Tuesday, managing to swim over the Australian Reptile Park’s lagoon fence. SEE THE VIDEO.

A massive American alligator has manager to swim out of its enclosure due to rising floodwaters at the Australian Reptile Park.

With the Central Coast inundated with torrential rain early on Tuesday, the Somersby wildlife park’s keepers found the male alligator had breached its internal fencing.

However, it wasn’t able to flee the park as it became stuck between two fences sparking a massively slippery relocation mission.

Keepers had to move fast to get the alligator back over the fence to join the 55 other alligators in the lagoon.

An alligator managed to get over its internal fence due to rising floodwaters. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

“You never really know the temperament of an alligator so although this guy was pretty happy to be relocated, we have to be prepared for him change his mind at any stage,” Head Reptile Keeper Jake Meney said.

“This dangerous task was heightened even more by the torrential rain that did not let up, making the ground and the gator incredibly slippery.”

Image of the alligator stuck between fences. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

Mr Meney said the keepers found the alligator in a trick spot before the park opened.

“Although there was no danger of him breaching the main boundary fence near visitors, there was still no way he would have been able to get back into the lagoon on his own,” he said.

The weather has also caused overflowing along with white rapids of water rushing through the park’s waterfalls and creeks.

Earlier

Multiple people have been rescued and a local high school has been evacuated across the Central Coast as the heavy rain continues.

Local State Emergency Services (SES) crews and NSW Fire and Rescue crews responded to more than 70 call outs on Tuesday morning with vehicles becoming trapped in high waters at locations including East Gosford, Erina and West Gosford.

“There have now been multiple flood rescues on the Central Coast. Please stay away from flooded areas,” Gosford SES has warned.

The intersection of Central Coast Highway and Racecourse Rd at West Gosford was closed due to significant flooding. It has since reopened however water remains over the road.

Vehicles have been rescued from flash flooding at West Gosford. Picture: Fire & Rescue NSW Station 341 Kariong

Emergency and SES crews received more than 70 call outs.

The Central Coast Highway/Racecourse Rd intersection has reopened.

Flash flooding has impacted Adcock Park and its internal roadway.

Fire & Rescue NSW Station 341 Kariong has also responded to a number of vehicles stuck in the floodwaters, while Narara Valley High School was evacuated due to rising flood levels in Carrington St.

It comes as the Bureau of Meteorology has updated its alert for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the region with warnings of intense rainfall and potential flash flooding which could impact Gosford, The Entrance, Woy Woy and Kulnura.

Wyong – Olney Forest – recorded 143mm of rain between 9am to 12pm.

Gosford SES has pre-made sandbags for people needing to protect their property. These can be collected from 1 Pateman Road Erina.

Wells Rd in Springfield.

The BOM has updated its weather warning for the Central Coast.

The SES advises that we should:

■ Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.

■ Don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.

■ If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring triple-0 if you need rescue.

■ Unplug computers and appliances.

■ Avoid using the phone during the storm.

■ Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.

For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.