Source: Bureau of Meteorology
For people in Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern
Tablelands and parts of Hunter, Central Tablelands, Snowy Mountains
and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.
Issued at 5:00 pm Friday, 5 April 2024.
Widespread heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging wind
gusts expected about central parts of the coast and ranges this
evening, moving south on Saturday.
Weather Situation: A trough is forecast to deepen over eastern New
South Wales and along central parts of the coast today and
Saturday, under the influence of a slow-moving upper-level low over
central New South Wales. Areas of heavy rain and gusty showers and
a few thunderstorms will become more widespread south of about
Newcastle this evening, including over the ranges and tablelands.
Severe weather is expected to gradually shift south overnight and
Saturday, while easing from the north as the trough moves southeast
to the Tasman Sea.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for
the southern parts of the Hunter to the Sydney Metropolitan,
Illawarra, and Central Tablelands districts today, then shifting
south to the remaining districts overnight into Saturday while
easing from the north. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 90
mm are likely, reaching up to 130 mm over the Blue Mountains and
Illawarra escarpment. 24 hour totals of 70 to 120 mm are also
likely, reaching up to 150 mm over the Blue Mountains and Illawarra
escarpment.
Within the broad heavy rainfall area, locally INTENSE RAINFALL
which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is
possible between the Blue Mountains and Narooma from this evening
into Saturday morning, then extending further south later Saturday
with localised six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 150 mm
possible, reaching up to 220 mm over the Illawarra escarpment.
Localised 24-hourly rainfall totals between 120 and 200 mm are
possible, and may reach up to 300 mm over the Illawarra escarpment.
A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very
dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.
DAMAGING EASTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts
of around 90 km/h are possible from this evening along the coastal
strip south of and including coastal parts of the Sydney
Metropolitan area, as well as adjacent elevated areas, particularly
above 500 metres.
The widespread severe weather risk is forecast to clear south of
the Hunter and Sydney Metropolitan areas by sunrise on Saturday,
the Illawarra by late Saturday morning and the South Coast by
Saturday afternoon. More isolated severe thunderstorms may
redevelop on Saturday afternoon.
A Flood Watch is current over the area.
A Severe Weather for Damaging Surf is current.
Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/index.shtml for
more information on other Watches and Warnings.
Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Cessnock, Sydney,
Penrith, Parramatta, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Batemans Bay, Eden,
Katoomba and Goulburn.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest
available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may
behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris
such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the
ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of
landslides.
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and
balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects
that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more
unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour
Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093)
as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape
may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES
Unit on 132 500.
05/Apr/2024 06:07 AM