A fast-moving storm system is bringing wild weather back to NSW, with thousands of people along the coast being told to brace for damaging winds, heavy rain, and the risk of flash flooding. Emergency services are on high alert, especially in areas still recovering from the deadly floods in May.
The Bureau of Meteorology says a “rapidly deepening complex” low pressure system — also called a “cyclogenesis” — is intensifying off the north coast. NSW SES deputy commissioner Debbie Platz explained that “it’s likely that this system will bring significant weather to these coastal fringe areas”, per the Australian Associated Press.
The peak impact is expected today and tomorrow, stretching from Coffs Harbour down to Bega. That includes places like Wallis Lake near Taree, which was hit hard by floods just last month.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has about 400 personnel ready to go, with helicopters and specialist vehicles on standby. Platz said, “We do expect that as a result of that we will have flash flooding, as opposed to riverine flooding, that is not to discount riverine flooding,” per AAP.
The Bureau issued a weather warning late last night, saying a vigorous coastal low was developing offshore. This is expected to bring damaging, locally destructive winds and heavy rainfall to central and northern NSW from today. Early this morning, warnings were repeated for storm force winds along the Macquarie and Hunter coasts, with gale warnings for Sydney, Illawarra, and Batemans coasts.
Steve Bernasconi from the Bureau said the system would be at its most intense on Wednesday, warning of destructive winds and coastal erosion across the coast.
Damaging winds are forecast for Sydney, the Hunter Valley, and Illawarra, and hazardous surf is expected along much of the coast. The heaviest rain is likely over the central coast, with up to 200mm possible, but a “subtle shift” could see those falls move to Sydney or the mid-north coast.
Coastal communities are being urged to get ready by tying down loose items and moving cars away from trees. “As we move into Thursday, rain will ease, the winds and the surf may still remain a hazard, and on Friday conditions are expected to improve,” Bernasconi said.
Wind gusts of up to 120km/h are expected in the Hunter and Mid North Coast, while Sydney could see gusts up to 125km/h—similar to a tropical cyclone.
Drivers and commuters are being told to take it slow, allow for extra travel time, and avoid flooded roads and storm debris. “Our message to people who need to travel in those areas south of the low where wind, rain and storms will impact the greatest, including the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Central Coast, Sydney, the Illawarra and South Coast is to be prepared, stay informed and most importantly drive to the conditions,” said Howard Collins from Transport for NSW, per 9News.
Public transport users should check for delays and cancellations, and NSW Maritime is advising boaters to stay ashore for now. Qantas has warned of possible flight cancellations out of Sydney, though most flights are currently running on schedule.
A spokesperson from Sydney airport said, “Sydney Airport is closely monitoring the forecasts of severe weather for NSW. There may be impacts to flight schedules, and we recommend passengers check with their airline regarding the status of their flight,” per The Guardian.
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz urged people to get ready: “We are prepared here, at SES. But what we need is for you to be prepared. You out there in the community need to start preparing for this weather event.”
That means cleaning gutters, tying down outdoor furniture, and moving cars away from large trees.
Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan added in a statement, “Communities along the coast should start preparing now by securing loose items around their home and learning about their flood risk before the worst impacts occur. While we are expecting minor riverine flooding, we know significant flash flooding is a risk and can occur quickly and without much warning, so we want communities to know their risk, and understand the dangers of driving through floodwaters. If you do come across a flooded road, you should stop, turn around and find an alternative route.”
The Bureau has issued hazardous wind and surf warnings for the entire NSW coast, and a flood watch is in place for several catchments, including the Hawkesbury-Nepean, Georges, Cooks, Sydney Coast, and Illawarra Coast.
This system has been compared to a “bomb cyclone” — a rapidly forming storm that can bring dangerous conditions with little warning. It could be the first east coast low to hit Sydney since 2022.
Stay up to date with the latest warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and the SES.
Lead image: Weatherzone / 9News
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