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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Paul Farrell

Wild weather: flood warnings as east coast low sweeps down – live updates

Children are soaked by huge waves at Bronte beach in Sydney on Sunday.
Children are soaked by huge waves at Bronte beach in Sydney on Sunday. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Summary

We’re wrapping up our live coverage of the severe weather conditions across Australia’s east coast. Here’s a summary of how the day unfolded:

  • Severe weather warnings have been issued across New South Wales on Sunday as wild weather continued to batter the east coast. The poor weather conditions that began on Saturday continued throughout Sunday, with heavy rainfall and gale force winds.
  • Flood warnings were issued across New South Wales with a number of towns and areas issued with evacuation orders. Severe weather warnings were issued as far south as Tasmania, while Queensland emergency services continue to clean up after the severe weather that hit the state on Saturday.
  • The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting that poor weather conditions will continue on Monday. People are being advised to be cautious on roads and while travelling, with major road closures due to flooding in some areas and power failures leading to traffic lights shorting out.

Updated

Here’s an updated news story with all the details on the severe weather conditions today.

Dangerous flooding and severe weather conditions have forced hundreds to evacuate their homes across Australia’s east coast, with poor weather conditions set to continue into Monday.

On Saturday weather warnings were issued from the Gold Coast in Queensland down to southern New South Wales, as an intense low pressure system created gale force winds and high rainfall that battered the east coast.

Conditions did not ease and continued into Sunday. The New South Wales State Emergency Service issued a number of evacuation warnings as a result of flooding.

The heavy rainfall and gale-force winds led to widespread power outrages, blocked roads and damages to homes from falling trees.

Flood evacuation notices were issue across NSW in areas including Lismore, the Cooks River, the Georges River, parts of the NSW north coast and Fingal Head. Later in the day low-lying parts of Sydney’s southwest were also told to leave, including Chipping Norton, Milperra, Lansvale and Carramar, as the Georges River rose.

Residents were told to gather medicines, pack clothing and try to turn off power and gas.

This is some striking footage that the UNSW Water Research Laboratory have just uploaded that shows the last 48 hours at Narrabeen beach in Sydney.

They’ve also issued a note with this footage outlining how the flash flooding and severe weather conditions observed are directly linked to climate change.

In a recent issue of Geophysical Research Letters, Professor Ashish Sharma and doctoral student Conrad Wasko, of UNSW’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, show the first evidence of how storm intensification driven by climate change is triggering more destructive storms.

“As warming proceeds, storms are shrinking in space and in time,” said Wasko. “They are becoming more concentrated over a smaller area, and the rainfall is coming down more plentifully and with more intensity over a shorter period of time. When the storm shrinks to that extent, you have a huge amount of rain coming down over a smaller area.”

Wasko and Sharma analysed data from 1,300 rain gauges and 1,700 temperature stations across Australia to see how air temperature affected the intensity and spatial organisation of storms.

They found that atmospheric moisture was more concentrated near the storm’s centre in warm storms than in cooler ones, resulting in more intense peak rainfalls in those areas. The storms were clearly shrinking in space, irrespective of the amount of rain that fell.

Updated

There’s been another flood evacuation order issued by the NSW State Emergency Service, this time for low lying parts of Chipping Norton. Here’s the latest update from the SES.

As a result of the flood level predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for Georges River at Liverpool and Milperra immediately the NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the following areas to evacuate

    • Rickard Road, Chipping Norton
    • Arthur Street, Chipping Norton
    • Riverside Drive, between Arthur Street and Newbridge Road, Chipping Norton
    • Newbridge Road, between Rickard Rd and Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton
    • Davey Robinson Drive, Chipping Norton

Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.

Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance an evacuation centre has been set up by Community Services at:

    • Liverpool City Library, George Street Liverpool.

As you evacuate you should;

  • Take your important documents, mementos and photos.
  • Take your spare clothing, medicines and personal hygiene supplies.
  • If you are going to the evacuation centre, take blankets/sleeping bags, pillows andsleeping mats.
  • If possible, check to see if your neighbours need help.
  • Turn off the electricity and gas.
  • Never drive ride or walk through floodwater.
  • Continue to listen to a local radio station for updates.

    • To severe weather isn’t just limited to Queensland and New South Wales, and there are warnings that have also been issued for Tasmania. Here’s a brief take from AAP on the warnings issued there.

    Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit Tasmania during several days of severe weather.

    Heavy rain and strong northeast winds are expected across much of the state on Sunday, particularly in the north, with the potential for wind gusts of up to 90km/h and up to 120mm of rain.

    The severe weather will continue on Monday and possibly extend into Tuesday, and the SES have urged residents to avoid damaging surf on coastal beaches.

    This is quite remarkable footage from Lismore posted by ABC journalist Jackson Vernon. There has been an evacuation order issued by the State Emergency Service for Lismore CBD.

    Tell us about your experiences as the extreme weather conditions continue across Australia’s east coast. You can post updates to our Guardian Witness post here.

    Severe weather conditions have been causing chaos across Australia’s east coast, looking to continue into at least Monday.

    The northern rivers area in New South Wales is facing evacuations and a rising flood threat as heavy rain and high winds hit Sydney and Newcastle. Parts of Victoria and Tasmania are braced for wild weather.

    If you are being affected by the extreme weather, you can share your pictures, videos and stories by clicking on the blue “Contribute” button on this article. You can also use the Guardian app and search for “GuardianWitness assignments” – and if you add it to the homepage – you can keep up with all our assignments.

    Please think about your security first when recording and sharing your content.

    Here’s a couple of shots that have been taken throughout Sunday as the wild weather has lashed the state.

    sydney weather cape solander
    Weather onlookers are seen watching massive swells at Cape Solander in Sydney on Sunday. Photograph: Sam Mooy/AAP
    Gold coast burleigh head weather
    Large waves break at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast. Photograph: Dan Peled/EPA
    clovelly beach sydney story weather
    A girl stands on cliff as large waves break near Clovelly beach in Sydney. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters

    Updated

    There are plenty of road hazards across New South Wales right now. This map shows just how widespread power cuts and accidents are across Sydney.

    You can see the NSW live traffic feed here for more updates.

    And in some good news, the State Emergency Service has issued an “all clear” notice for areas surrounding the Tweed River.

    The Tweed River is now receding, as a result the NSW SES has issued an ALL CLEAR for the residents of the affected areas.

    This means that it is now safe to return to Chinderah, Seagulls Estate and Fingal Head. Never drive ride or walk through floodwater.

    It’s not a good weekend for fishing either.

    Guardian Australia’s news editor Mike Ticher is keeping a careful watch on weather conditions on his day off.

    And here’s an update from Guardian Australia’s editor-in-chief Emily Wilson who is out on the roads in Sydney.

    The severe weather conditions have been causing chaos across Australia’s east coast. Here’s a short take from AAP on the clean up occurring now on the Gold Coast following the stormy weather on Saturday:

    Emergency services are racing to complete clean-up jobs on the Gold Coast after Saturday’s wild weather.

    A strong upper trough soaked Queensland’s southeast on Saturday with some of the heaviest falls occurring in the Gold Coast Hinterland before moving south into NSW.

    A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman told AAP while all the jobs in the Brisbane region had been cleared through, about 80 remained on the Gold Coast.

    Flooding, fallen trees and damage to roofs were the most common complaints after the huge deluge.

    A single housing complex at Elanora had suffered damage to 20 different properties, the spokeswoman said.

    She said 10 State Emergency Service crews were currently racing to complete the jobs before sundown.

    The State Emergency Service has issued a new flood evacuation warning, this time for areas around the Georges river. Here’s the latest update.

    As a result of the flood level predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for Georges river at the Liverpool weir by 3pm and Milperra Bridge gauge at 7pm today, Sunday 5 June 2016 respectively, the NSW State Emergency Service recommends that residents within the nominated areas should prepare for possible evacuate:

    This warning is for resident in the following streets:

    Chipping Norton

      • Rickard Road, Arthur Street, Riverside Drive (between Arthur Street and Newbridge Road), Newbridge Road (between Rickard Rd and Governor Macquarie Drive) and Davey Robinson Drive

    Milperra

      • Auld Avenue, Henry Lawson Drive opposite Auld Avenue, Milperra

    Lansvale

    Day Street, Knight Street, Erna Avenue, Lucy Avenue, Mena Avenue, Hollywood Drive and Bindaree Street

    Canley Vale

      • Ramsay Street, Cook Street, Vincent Crescent

    Carramar

      • Waterside Crescent

    Picnic Point

      • Carinya Road

    East Hills

      • Henry Lawson Drive Opposite Maclaurin Drive

    Residents are advised to monitor the situation and be prepared to evacuate if instructed to do so.

    A flood evacuation order will be issued by the NSW SES if evacuation is required.

    Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance evacuation centres have been set up by Welfare Services at:

      • Central Library Liverpool 170 George Street Liverpool
      • Cabravale Leisure Centre 30 Broom Field Street Cabramatta
      • Revesby Workers Club 2B Brett Street Revesby

    As you prepare for evacuation you should:

      • Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches. Put electrical items ontop. You may be able to place light weight items in the roof space.
      • Collect together medicines, personal and financial documents, mementos and photos
      • If possible, check to see if your neighbours need help
      • Make arrangements for care of pets or other animals, or take your pets with you when you evacuate
      • Take three days’ supply of clothing, medicines and personal hygiene products
      • If you are planning to go to the evacuation centre, take blankets/sleeping bags, pillows and sleeping mats
      • Find out where to turn off the electricity and gas
      • Continue to listen to a local radio station for updates

    Updated

    Surf conditions are not at all inviting across Sydney today. Here’s a couple of snaps. There’s not even a daredevil surfer in sight.

    It’s looking like the poor weather is set to continue across New South Wales into at least Monday. The latest forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting further gale-force winds and high rains.

    High to very high chance of rain heavy at times in the far south-east. Slight to medium chance of showers along the western slopes of the ranges. Partly cloudy elsewhere. Strong to gale force east to northeast winds on the south coast. Gusty northwest to south-westerly winds elsewhere.

    Updated

    A short update from my colleague Miles Martignoni on some of the road closures around the coast. He says the Princes Highway is closed through Berry due to flooding:

    Princess highway is closed through berry due to flooding, detour is rerouting people through the coastal towns of Gerroa & Gerringong.

    The New South Wales State Emergency Service have been working around the clock over the weekend. Still a lot of debris and fallen trees to clear.

    (Hopefully temporarily) bad news for those trying to travel by train on the central coast from Transport for NSW:

    Customers are advised that trains are being suspended on the Central Coast and Newcastle line between Gosford and Hornsby in both directions due to a tree caught in the overhead wiring at Woy Woy. Numerous bus companies have been contacted to operate a replacement service, however, due to their own commitments limited buses are operating between Gosford and Hornsby at present. Repair crews are on site and are working to restore train services as soon as possible. We expect the line to be reopened by 14.30hrs. We advise you to delay your journey or make alternative arrangements. Major delays expected.

    Updated

    Plenty of extraordinary images and footage out there from the severe conditions. Here’s quite a remarkable timelapse of the last 48 hours at Narrabeen from coastal researcher Mitchell Harley.

    The Parramatta State Emergency Service has posted an update stating that Parramatta River has broken it’s banks. Here’s a post from Facebook.

    Paramatta river has broken its banks. Please stay away from the area with further severe weather forecast.

    Updated

    Moving down to the south coast again and there are quite significant road closures due to extensive flooding in Wollongong.

    Here’s an update from Wollongong council with current closures.

    A number of roads across the Wollongong area are being affected by flooding.

    Below is a list of affected roads, however with more large volumes of rain and flash flooding predicted today, conditions can change very quickly and further roads may become inundated. Remember, you should never drive, ride or walk through flood water.

    Closed roads:

      • Swan Street, Wollongong (near Kembla and Evans streets)
      • Bong Bong Road, Horsley, both sides of railway crossing
      • Cleveland Road, Dapto, boy sides of rail bridge / Dapto High
      • West Dapto Road
      • Darkes Road, Dapto, both sides of road bridge
      • Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong, at Illawarra Yacht Club
      • Harry Graham Drive, Mount Kembla
      • Auburn Street / Bridge Street, Coniston
      • Caring ton Street / Lawrence Street, Woonona
      • Otford Weir, Otford
      • Springhill Road, Wollongong, near Swan Street

    Other water-affected roads:

      • Montague Street, North Wollongong
      • Sierra Drive, Horsley
      • O’Briens Road, Figtree
      • Gladstone Street, Coniston
      • Cabbage Tree Lane, Fairy Meadow
      • Flinders Street, Wollongong (northbound)

    The Princes Highway at Berry, Appin Road and the Illawarra Highway are also closed.

    Updated

    SES volunteers have not just been kept busy by drivers braving flooded roads and getting into trouble but apparently by riders, too. It doesn’t matter if you’re behind the wheel or holding the reins, SES advice is the same: if it’s flooded, forget it.

    Here’s some more extraordinary footage of the enormous storm swell being whipped up across New South Wales. This taken from Bronte Beach in Sydney.

    More photos from the Collaroy-Narrabeen beaches are emerging on social media.

    A somewhat dry aphorism on a not very dry day.

    A further flood warning has been issued for the upper Nepean river area. Here’s an update from the State Emergency Service.

    Up to 285mm of rain has fallen over the Nepean river catchment in the last 24 hours to 9am this morning 5/6/16. However, rain has intensified in the last six hours, with up to 190 millimetres falling during this period.

    This rainfall is expected to cause moderate flooding in the Nepean river at Menangle and minor flooding at Camden and Wallacia.

    Further heavy rainfall, in the order of 100 to 150mm, is forecast for the Nepean, Wollondilly and Hawkesbury river valleys in the next 12 hours.

    Flooding of the Hawkesbury-Nepean river at Penrith and downstream is possible with this forecast rain. The situation is being closely monitored and predictions will be issued if necessary.

    At this stage it is not possible to predict the flood peak because of uncertainty over how much more rain will fall.

    At this prediction there is a high probability that:

      • Douglas Park Causeway at Douglas Park will be closed
      • Macquarie Grove Bridge will be closed
      • Menangle Road Bridge at Menangle may be closed
      • Cobbitty Bridge may close
      • Cowpasture Bridge may close
      • Properties on Sheathers Lane and Kirkham Lane may become flooded
      • Menangle Road near Racecourse Road may be isolated
      • Low-lying areas near the river and its tributaries will be flooded

    The NSW SES recommends the following actions:

      • Residents of low-lying areas near the river or major storm water drains in the Camden and Wollondilly council areas should keep an active watch on the flood waters.
      • Farmers should take action to protect pumps, other equipment and livestock and are advised to monitor the situation and prepare for stock relocation prior road closures
      • Prepare now in case you need to evacuate or temporarily relocate
      • Pack valuables and important documents, as well as clothes and supplies to last you at least a 48-hour period. Ensure you have a plan for any pets.
      • Plan how you will leave so you don’t drive through flood water or face closed roads – go to livetraffic.com.au or call 131 700
      • Residents need to monitor the situations and keep listening to Emergency Broadcasters, ABC 702 for updates, and the NSW SES
      • Further updates can be found at bom.gov.au
      • Never walk, drive, ride through flood waters. If it’s flooded, forget it.
      • Motorists should avoid driving through flood waters, which may have washed away road surfaces and could be deeper or faster flowing than they look

    Updated

    There are some extraordinary images being posted from Narrabeen in northern Sydney now. Coastal researcher Mitchell Harley has posted these images and says houses are now being threatened by the enormous tide. Residents from the North Narrabeen Caravan Park have already been told to evacuate.

    Updated

    The poor weather conditions are extending all the way down to Victoria as well. Here’s the latest advisory from Bureau of Meteorology on conditions in East Gippsland

    And here’s another update on flooding from the Bureau of Meteorology as rain continues to fall across the east coast.

    This image from Saturday posted by the Bureau of Meteorology shows the low moving across the east coast in quite stunning detail.

    Trains in Sydney and across parts of the broader east coast lines are also not running on some lines due to the weather conditions. Here’s a few updates from Sydney Trains on the latest.

    State Emergency Service acting deputy commissioner Mark Morrow has just been giving an update on the severe weather conditions. He was asked whether the worst was over for Sydney and said this in response:

    I would say no. I can’t tell you whether it will get beyond the predictions that we have got at the moment but certainly the Bureau is continuing to work very closely with our deputy incident controllers in order to make informed decisions particularly in those areas where lots of Sydney residents live on the other side of a river system which potentially cuts them off from the metropolitan area. But it’s a good idea now to think about work from home or talk to your boss about other arrangements.

    Updated

    NSW police has issued a stern reminder for all drivers to stay safe on roads and to obey road closure signs. It has just issued a release stating a woman has been charged for allegedly drink-driving and driving into floodwaters.

    A woman has been charged with drink-driving after allegedly ignoring road closures and driving into floodwaters in Albion Park this morning.

    About 5am (Sunday 5 June 2016), emergency services were called to Taylor Road, Albion Park, after a Honda Accord became trapped in floodwaters.

    The driver, a 33-year-old Werai woman, was arrested at the scene after returning a positive breath test.

    She was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where she submitted a breath analysis of 0.076. She was charged with low-range drink-driving and is due to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on 6 July 2016.

    Police will allege that the woman drove past two road blocks warning of floodwaters on the Illawarra Highway and Taylor Road, before becoming trapped.

    Updated

    The stormy weather across Australia’s east coast is quite a change from the temperate conditions that we’ve seen throughout May.

    The Conversation has published a useful explainer outlining how and why conditions have changed so rapidly.

    In weather jargon, the words “cyclone” or “low” refer to an area where the pressure is lower than everywhere around it.

    These can come in many forms – the most well-known are tropical cyclones, which develop where sea surface temperatures are warmer than 26.5C.

    However, so-called “extra-tropical cyclones” are a frequent visitor to mid-latitudes around the world. Wherever they are, the strong pressure gradients and convergence of air in the centre can lead to strong winds, large waves, and heavy rainfall.

    “East Coast Low” or “East Coast Cyclone” are terms we use for low-pressure systems that develop off the east coast of Australia, generally between Brisbane and eastern Victoria.

    This area can experience several different types of low-pressure systems, including those that are formed from the remains of tropical cyclones that have moved southwards (such as Oswald in January 2013) and large extra-tropical cyclones (such as the one that hit the Sydney-Hobart yacht race in December 1998) that form in the storm tracks to the south of the Australian mainland and move to positions off the east coast.

    The classic East Coast Low often develops rapidly in surface troughs off the east coast, which is exactly what we saw this week. These lows are one of the hardest challenges for forecasters, as weather forecasting models can find it hard to decide exactly where these lows will form.

    Here’s a little more on that flood evacuation area. As you can see, conditions in low lying areas such as Lismore are extremely serious at the moment.

    There was also a further flood evacuation order for Lismore at 6am on Sunday morning. Here’s more from the SES.

    NSW State Emergency Service | NSW SESSES Homepage > News > 2016 > Evacuation Order for North Lismore Evacuation Order for North Lismore5 June 2016, 6:02AM AET

    Flood Evacuation Order for North Lismore

    As a result of the flood level predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for Wilsons River at 3:00pm Sunday 05 June 2016 the NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the nominated areas to evacuate within the next 5 hours.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance an evacuation centre has been set up by Family and Community Services at Southern Cross University Bar, Military Road, Lismore.

    There were several flood evacuation orders issued on Saturday evening by the State Emergency Services. Here’s their post containing details of the specific locations.

    Flood Evacuation Order for Billinudgel, Ocean Shores, Golden Beach and New Brighton

    As a result of the flood level of 2.5m predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for Marshalls Creek at the Billinudgel Gauge, the NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within low lying areas to evacuate within the next hour, due to water over the road at the intersection of Wilfred Street and the Stock Route. Cars are stopped at the corner of Wilfred Street and Spencer Road, therefore residence are advised to evacuate within the next hour.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance an evacuation centre has been set up by Ocean Shores Country Club from 5:30 pm at Ocean Shores Country Club, 1 Orana Road, Ocean Shores

    If you don’t have a car, special transport can also be provided on request if necessary,telephone 132500

    Ocean Shores

    As a result of major flooding predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Brunswick River, the State Emergency Service is directing all residents in Ocean Shores North and South, on the East of the Pacific Highway to evacuate immediately.

    Golden Beach

    NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the nominated low lying areas of Golden Beach, including the low lying areas of Berrimbilla Court, Barkala Court, Rangal Road, Konda Court, Redgate Road, Canowindra Court to evacuate immediately

    New Brighton

    NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the nominated low lying areas around the corner of River and Ocean Avenue, Pacific Street, The Esplanade, Casons Lane and River Street areas to evacuate immediately.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped.

    Flood Evacuation Order for Coffs Creek - Gundagai St gauge

    This flood evacuation order is issued for residents in low-lying properties along Coffs Creek on the western edge of the Coffs Harbour CBD between Pacific Highway and Robin Street, including: Gundagai Place, Gundagai Street, Frances Street, Long Street, Jean Street, Korff Street, Eugorie Close, Moonee Street, Scarba Street, Loaders Lane, Goodenough Terrace, Arygll Street and Bray Street.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads may be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need accommodation and assistance;

    Evacuation Centres are located at:

    • Orara High School, Bray Street.

    Evacuation route: The following roads should be used as evacuation route

    • Goodenough Terrace, Loaders Lane, Brindley Court, McCann Court and Shepherds Lane – Shepherds Lane and Don Patterson Drive – to Mackays Road – to the Orara High School.

    • Bray Street – to the Orara High School.

    There’s plenty of pictures being posted outlining just how severe the weather conditions have been. Here’s a couple from across the coast.

    This chap is obviously quite happy to be inside.

    The Bureau of Meteorology has the most up to date information about the changing weather patterns across the East Coast. Here’s their latest update in full:

    Issued at 10:04 am Sunday, 5 June 2016.

    SEVERE WEATHER FOR EASTERN NEW SOUTH WALES

    An East Coast Low currently situated over the NSW Mid North Coast will continue to deepen as it moves southwards today. The low is expected to be south of Sydney by early this evening, then remain anchored off the South Coast Sunday night and into Monday morning. The highest winds and heaviest rainfall will strongly depend on the future position and movement of the low.

    DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 65 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are currently being experienced along much of the coast. LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS with gusts up to 125 km/h are also possible along central parts of the coast, extending to the south coast during this evening as the low passes close by. The coastal fringe will be particularly under threat with this system. Winds are expected to ease and turn northwesterly as the low passes by.

    HEAVY RAIN is expected to cause FLASH FLOODING near the coast south of Port Macquarie today. Rainfall totals of up to 100-200mm are expected over central and southern parts of the coast, with 1-hourly rainfall rates of 30-70mm possible.

    Rain and winds have eased in the Northern Rivers and northern parts of the Mid North Coast District. This easing trend should continue to extend southwards during the day.

    ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas are likely along the entire coast. The next high tide will be at 8:30pm this evening, where water levels are expected to exceed the highest tide of the year.

    VERY HEAVY SURF may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion.

    Beach conditions in these areas will be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

    In the 24 hours to 9am this morning, widespread falls of 100-200mm have been recorded along the NSW coast. Locally higher falls of 200-400mm have also been observed, with the highest recorded rainfall at Wooli River of 469mm.

    Earlier this morning, wind gusts of 98km/h were recorded at Norah Head at 12:21am, 90km/h at Kurnell AWS at 1:30am, and 96km/h at Bellambi AWS at 7.32am and North Head at 8:00am.

    The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

    * 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.

    * Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.

    * 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.

    * For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.

    Good morning. Australia’s east coast continues to be battered by severe weather conditions on Sunday, following a day of heavy rains, flooding and high wind on Saturday.

    Here’s a summary so far:

    • The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of Australia’s east coast. The current advisory stretches from the Mid North Coast to the Snowy Mountains.
    • Damaging winds and high rainfall are continuing to wreak havoc, including major power outages, fallen trees and flooding. In the 24 hours to 9am Sunday, there have been consistent falls of 100-200mm of rain across the coast.
    • Flash flooding is expected near the coast of Port Macquarie. The Bureau Of Meteorology is advising people not to drive, ride or walk through floodwaters.

    Follow along for updates throughout the day.

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