NSW floods: Sydney’s eastern suburbs, heavy rain forecast

Sydneysiders can expect some unusual guests to turn up unannounced at their homes with WIRES anticipating an influx of waterlogged wildlife seeking shelter from the rain.

UPDATE

A wet and injured baby brush-tailed possum has been rescued from a front porch at Mascot with WIRES expecting more waterlogged wildlife to seek shelter in eastern suburbs homes.

WIRES spokesman John Grant said the juvenile possum, nicknamed Bolt, was expected to make full recovery and be released back into the wild soon.

Bolt the brush-tailed possum was found injured and waterlogged on the front porch of a Mascot resident. Image: WIRES.

“He’s since been dried off, warmed up and eating well in the expert hands of WIRES carer Kirsten who is treating an infected wound on his back,” Mr Grant said.

“He will be returned home as soon as he gets the all clear from the vet.”

Mr Grant said even though the east was not flooding, heavy rainfall meant we could see an increase in wildlife around the home as their usual tree hollow hiding spots were filled with water.

Suburbs surrounding Centennial Parklands are particularly likely to encounter wildlife at this time.

Bolt has since dried off and is expected to make a full recovery.

He will be released back into the wild soon.

Don’t touch the animal or bird as they will often depart on their own after taking a rest but if you think the critter is injured, call WIRES for advice.

“Just like us, our native animals also seek shelter in continuous rain events and can suffer stress and shock when their regular habitat is inundated,” Mr Grant said.

“They will often choose a dry spot on verandas, porches, garages, under eaves and in garden sheds. It is best to just leave them undisturbed and they will depart of their own accord when the weather clears.

“Along with marsupials, birds are also badly affected by the rains as they can become waterlogged and unable to fly. Young sea turtles and marine birds are often swept off course and found exhausted on beaches or upstream on the banks of tidal waterways that flow into the ocean.

“Native animals are also more likely to be crossing roads at night as they search for shelter and food so please be careful when driving especially near parkland.”

If you see a native animal in distress please call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or visit www.wires.org.au

WEDNESDAY

The eastern suburbs is bracing for a deluge with intense rainfall expected today and tonight.

In the past week to 9am this morning (Wednesday March 2) the Bureau of Meteorology’s Sydney Airport station received 300mm of rain, Randwick St at Randwick recorded 343.2mm, Rose Bay’s Royal Sydney Golf Club got 305.5mm, Centennial Park experienced 346mm and Dover Heights at Portland St has had 278.2mm.

A fallen eucalypt tree on the corner of Ebley and Lawson streets, Bondi Junction. Picture: supplied

In the 24 hours to 9am, falls were relatively light in the east with all official gauges measuring under 30mm.

A Waverley Council spokeswoman said a large eucalypt tree on the corner of Ebley and Lawson streets in Bondi Junction fell overnight causing homes to lose power.

The spokeswoman said Ausgrid was in the process of restoring power.

“Contractors are engaged for the removal and clean up,” she said.

The BOM’s forecast for Bondi today (Wednesday) is for heavy falls becoming heaviest in the evening and possible gusty winds.

There is a chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe.

Winds are predicted to be south easterly at 25 to 35 km/h and turning south to south westerly during the afternoon and evening.

Surf conditions are expected to be large, powerful and hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.

Bronte Beach is experiencing wild weather.

Bondi Beach is deserted.

Waverley Council’s Lifeguard Services Manager, Matt du Plessis, asked people to watch the warnings and always follow instructions from lifeguards.

“As a general precaution, swimming at ocean beaches should be avoided for up to one day after heavy rainfall or for as long as stormwater is present,” Mr du Plessis said.

“If you witness an in-water emergency, please inform our council lifeguards, or if it is after hours, dial triple-0 (000) and ask for the police.”

Councils were already responding to the dangerous conditions, with Coogee Beach and Maroubra Beach closed on Wednesday due to large and dangerous surf as well as wild weather.

The BOM issued a road weather alert for flooded roads across Sydney’s eastern suburbs, warning of dangerous driving conditions.

Some roads in the eastern suburbs were slightly flooded on Wednesday afternoon, causing traffic to run slower. This included Syd Einfeld Drive as well as Lang Road and Anzac Parade at Moore Park.