Low lying parts of Woronora and Bonnet Bay residents ordered to evacuate

NSW SES is directing residents and business owners within low lying parts of the two suburbs to evacuate because once the Woronora Bridge peaks the areas will be isolated.

Woronora residents have been advised there is no further flooding expected for the river.

The Woronora River at Woronora Bridge peaked at 2.08 metres around 6pm on Monday and is currently at 1.26 metres and falling, below the minor flood level of 1.50 metres.

Previously on Monday night, the Bureau of Meteorology issued an update at 8.45pm saying minor flooding had occurred along the Woronora River at Woronora Bridge.

The river at the bridge was at 1.83 metres and falling with minor flooding, at levels higher than the June 2016 flood (1.60 metres).

Renewed rises were possible at Woronora Bridge with forecast rainfall.

The BOM said the Woronora River at Woronora Bridge could reach near 2.50 metres midnight Monday into Tuesday, with minor flooding.

EARLIER

NSW SES is directing residents and business owners within low lying parts of the two suburbs to evacuate by 8pm.

Those in Woronora’s Liffey Place, Thames Street and Prince Edward Park Road North of the bridge at the RSL must leave along with residents in Bonnet Bay’s Johnson Close, Arthur Place and properties on Lower Washington Drive backing on to Johnson Close.

The SES has advised that once floodwater reaches 1.9 metres at the Woronora Bridge, the area will be isolated.

“If you remain in the area you may be trapped without power, water and other essential services and it may be too dangerous to rescue you,” a Facebook post said.

For those evacuating from Bonnet Bay, proceed east on Washington Drive towards Tudor Road and Sutherland.

NSW SES has reported a minor flood warning for Woronora River at Woronora Bridge. Picture: NSW SES

“Once floodwater reaches 2 metres at the Woronora Bridge, the area will be isolated. If you remain in the area after 8pm Monday 4th July 2022 you may be trapped without power, water and other essential services and it may be too dangerous to rescue you.”

For both areas people are advised to stay with family, friends or at accommodation outside of flood areas.

NSW SES is directing residents and businesses within Low lying parts of Woronora on eastern side of river to evacuate.

If you are unable to do so, an evacuation centre has been established at Gymea Tradies 57 Manchester Rd Gymea.”

People should take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables with you.

Relocate other personal possessions to a safer/higher place; leave as early as possible to avoid congested roads.

Take drinking water and food due to possible long travel times; share this information with family, friends and neighbours and help others where possible.

Meanwhile, popular Woronora business, The Boatshed will be closed until further notice due to flooding.

“Tonight Woronora is experiencing the worst flooding we have had in many years, which is absolutely devastating for our little community,” a Facebook post said.

“We hope all of our Woronora Valley community is staying safe throughout this.

“Once the flooding has ceased we will be working day and night to get the cafe back up and running so please watch this space for updates!”

For more information:

• Listen to your local ABC radio station,

• Follow us on Facebook at /NSWSES or our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

• Go to latest Weather and Warnings at www.bom.gov.au/nsw/

• Go to latest Rainfall and River heights at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/greatersydney.shtml

• Visit Road Closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or the LiveTraffic app or phone 131 701

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple-0 (000) immediately.