NSW floods: Hawkesbury floods update, Windsor passes peak

The Hawkesbury River at Windsor passed peak flood levels this morning, as the SES urges residents to remain cautious while flood levels recede.

In Windsor, a usually bustling stretch of shops along George St was eerily quiet, with many stores remaining closed even though the flood waters did not reach them.

Near the intersection of George St and Bridge St, residents and television crews took photographs of the flooded waters as SES volunteers zipped around on boats.

For a number of days the rising floodwaters have threatened properties across the region, dominating talk around the town.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said he had never seen Windsor flood this high in many decades.

“The floods in the ‘70s are the closest I can remember to these levels,” he stated.

SES land a boat in front of residential homes after surveying floodwaters in Windsor. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams.

Adam Jones, an SES spokesman, urged residents to remain cautious as the flood waters recede over the rest of this week.

Mr Jones said parts of Hawkesbury still remain under evacuation orders and the wind would continue to be an issue, with more trees expected to fall down.

“Make sure to limit non-essential travel, keep an eye out for flood waters and remember it only takes 150mm — about half your average old school ruler — to float a normal vehicle,” Mr Jones said.

Flood waters near George St, Windsor. Picture: Odessa Blain.

When evacuated residents are able to return home, Mr Jones said they should remain vigilant.

“There will be a lot of mud around, a make sure to get a structural and electrical assessment before entering any flooded buildings or homes,” he said.

“We also have concerns around asbestos and people moving household items — we just really want to remind people to return home safely and carefully as the flood waters recede.”

The SES urges residents to remain cautious as flood waters throughout the Hawkesbury recede. Picture: Odessa Blain.

According to The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), the Hawkesbury River at Windsor peaked at 13.80 metres about 7am Wednesday.

“River levels at Windsor peaked … (on) Wednesday morning with flood levels nearly one metre above those experienced in March 2021,” BOM stated.