Damaging wind and hazardous surf to lash coast as flood recovery begins in NSW

A fresh warning has been delivered to millions living on the east coast just as recovery begins in flood-hit towns.

Millions warned to “prepare now” ahead of powerful wind gusts and hazardous surf hitting the coast just days after flash flooding.

Communities in Sydney’s north and west remain isolated after a “dangerous and life-threatening” weather event dropped more than 250mm on Friday night.

An alert was issued about 10am on Tuesday to residents of NSW from Wooli and Wattamolla to prepare now for damaging wind gusts of up to 100km/h to hit the coast from early Wednesday morning.

Damaging wind and surf to hit east coast on Wednesday. Picture: WeatherZone

Residents should trim tree branches, park cars under secure cover away from trees, powerlines and drains, and secure items like outdoor furniture that can blow away in strong winds.

Hazardous surf is also forecast for north of Ulladulla for Wednesday and Thursday.

Hundreds rescued after landslide in Blue Mountains

The damaged section of Megalong Road, approximately 600m south of Shipley Road, remains closed to vehicle and pedestrian access.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said many authorities and volunteers have worked “non-stop to make the [evacuation] happen”.

Megalong Road is closed due to a landslide about 600m south of Shipley Rd overnight. Picture: Supplied

“Our thoughts remain with the community and visitors, who are our priority, and we are continuing to support them as a matter of urgency through this difficult time,” he said.

The flooding event has been declared a natural disaster and residents are now able to apply for disaster assistance.

Residents of Gronos Point, far northwest of Sydney, have been told they can return home with caution as of midday on Tuesday.

Fifteen flood warnings remain in place, including six Watch and Act warnings in Sackville, Lower Portland, Cumberland Reach and Leets Vale flooding.

State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers conducted damage assessments and washouts in the Illawarra region, south of Sydney, on Sunday.

More than 70 properties were assessed with volunteers deeming 57 properties damaged, 28 inundated by flood water and 14 assessed as not habitable.

Originally published as Damaging wind and hazardous surf to lash coast as flood recovery begins in NSW