Source: Bureau of Meteorology
For people in Upper Western and parts of Central West Slopes and
Plains, Lower Western and Riverina Forecast Districts.
Issued at 5:13 am Monday, 5 February 2024.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS DEVELOPING OVER
THE NORTHWEST TODAY.
Weather Situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently
positioned over the far northeast corner of South Australia near
Innamincka. The system is tracking south-southeast and expecting to
move into the Upper Western district of New South Wales later this
morning, before heading further southeast into central parts of New
South Wales this evening. The system and its associated severe
weather are expected to clear New South Wales by Tuesday
afternoon.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in
western parts of the Upper Western district during Monday morning
and afternoon, extending to the eastern Upper Western and
northeastern Lower Western during Monday afternoon and evening.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with
24-hourly totals between 70 and 100 mm likely.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND
LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible, particularly on
the southern flank of the low. Isolated six-hourly totals between
80 and 120 mm are possible, with 24-hourly totals up to 150 mm
possible. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if
VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS with INTENSE RAINFALL are
detected.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts in excess of 90
km/h are possible in an area extending roughly between Tibooburra,
Bourke and White Cliffs, easing during the afternoon.
A Flood Watch is also current for the Far West and South West
catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/ for more
information.
Locations which may be affected include Tibooburra, Cobar, Bourke,
Wilcannia, White Cliffs and Wanaaring.
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.
04/Feb/2024 06:58 PM