State Emergency Service asks Moruya residents to evacuate due to flooding forecast

The State Emergency Service has warned people and businesses in Moruya CBD to prepare to evacuate today with major flooding forecast.

NSW SES has received nearly 400 calls in the past 24 hours from storm related damage in NSW south coast region. Picture John Grainger

The State Emergency Service has warned people and businesses in Moruya CBD to prepare to evacuate today with major flooding forecast for the Moruya River.

Heavy rainfall is expected to occur throughout Sunday with Sydney expected to be hit by the deluge later this afternoon.

NSW State Emergency Services hold particular concern for the Moruya community, with town’s central business district in threat of major flooding.

Just after 2pm the NSW SES issued a warning for residents in the Moruya CBD to prepare to evacuate.

“Stay with family or friends outside of Moruya CBD,” it said.

“Once water levels begin to rise in the Moruya River and surrounding creeks you can expect to see flooding of roads, sewerage lines, yards, sheds and low lying buildings. Power could also be lost.”

The Bureau of Meteorology said parts of the south coast have recorded rain levels of up to 300 millimetres.

Since Friday, NSW SES has received more than 700 calls and in the past 24 hours, 349 calls were made in relation to storm and flooding damage.

Since Friday, NSW SES has received more than 700 calls. Picture: NSW SES via NCA NewsWire

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said there has been 18 flood rescues conducted, with Moruya area being the greatest concern.

“There is obviously some rains coming … which does lead to flash flooding,” she said.

“We are asking the community of the south coast to be aware to keep checking those websites and to ensure you are ready [to evacuate].”

According to the SES, a large proportion of rescues have been farm animals which have been unable to get to higher ground.

Multiple #Flood #Warnings about to be issued as heavy #rain continues in south.Totals til 9am incl; 204mm Nowra; 159mm Foxground; 106mm Port Kembla; 92mm Albion Park; 86.8mm Kiama. Some have added another 50-100mm since! Details soon https://t.co/Ss766eSCrL @NSWSES @nswpolice pic.twitter.com/mH27YDvSOP

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) August 8, 2020

Major flooding has already forced closures on the Illawarra Hwy between the Princess Hwy and Tongarra Rd.

Ms York said the ground in the area is completely saturated which makes it difficult for the water to get away.

“We will be making an evacuation order when we reassess if the risk is quite high,” she said.

According to the SES, a large proportion of rescues have been farm animals. Picture: NSW SES via NCA NewsWire

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued major flood warnings for the Wamban, Shoalhaven River and Sussex Inlet regions. It has also issues a moderate flood warning for Moruya and minor warning for Island Point.

Widespread heavy rainfall is forecasted for Sunday afternoon, with heavy snow is mountain regions expected to persist throughout the day.

“A trough along the NSW coast is deepening with multiple low centres developing within the trough,” a BOM spokesman said.

“This system is currently bringing widespread rain to the southern half of the coast, and is set to bring increased winds and surf along the coast as well this afternoon as the low centres make landfall.”

Wild weather is expected to hi the New South Wales south coast. Picture John Grainger

Hazardous surf conditions have also been issued for the Sydney, Illawarra, Batemans and Eden coasts.

BOM meteorologist Alex Majchrowski said damaging surf conditions are expected to pick up this evening bringing wave heights of up to 5 metres.

“Obviously coastal is a major impact from these significant wave heights and we advise that people stay clear of the damaging surf,” he said.

NSW Surf Life Saving has issued warnings swell surges in the affected regions could reach heights of up to 4 metres, and are likely to persist for the coming days.

“We are urging members of the public not to engage in coastal activities that might put them at risk,” NSW Surf Life Saving chief executive, Steven Pearce said.

“If people put themselves in danger in these conditions, our surf lifesavers may not be able to save them.”