ALERT NEW FLOOD WARNING

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued the first flood warning for the Hawkesbury Nepean River

Issued at 5:09 pm EDT on Friday 5 April 2024

MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT MENANGLE AND NORTH RICHMOND FROM SATURDAY MORNING

MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE AT WINDSOR AND PUTTY ROAD FROM OVERNIGHT FRIDAY

MINOR FLOODING LIKELY AT CAMDEN WEIR, WALLACIA WEIR, PENRITH, SACKVILLE AND POSSIBLE AT LOWER PORTLAND FROM FRIDAY EVENING

Rainfall totals of up to 150 mm have been observed in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment since 9 am Thursday. Further heavy rainfall is forecast through the catchment for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday. There is still uncertainty associated with the location and intensity of the heaviest falls.

A Severe Weather Warning is current for heavy to locally intense rainfall.

Minor flooding is likely along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo Rivers from overnight Friday. With the forecast rainfall, further river level rises and moderate to major flooding is possible from Saturday morning along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.

The situation is being closely monitored and warnings will be updated as required.

Upper Nepean River:

Major flooding may occur along the Upper Nepean River.

The Nepean River at Menangle Bridge is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.20 m) overnight Friday into Saturday. With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach the major flood level (12.20 m) Saturday morning.

The Nepean River at Camden Weir is likely to exceed the minor flood level (6.80 m) Saturday morning. With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach the moderate flood level (8.30 m) early Saturday afternoon.

The Nepean River at Wallacia Weir is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.00 m) Saturday afternoon.

Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River:

Major flooding may occur along the Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River.

The Nepean River at Penrith is likely to exceed the minor flood level (3.90 m) Saturday morning.

The Hawkesbury River at North Richmond (WPS) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (3.80 m) Friday evening. The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (7.90 m) overnight Friday into Saturday and with forecast rainfall may reach the major flood level (10.50 m) Saturday morning.

The Hawkesbury River at Windsor (WPS) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.80 m) overnight Friday into Saturday. With forecast rainfall, the river level may reach the moderate flood level (7.00 m) Saturday morning.

The Hawkesbury River at Sackville is likely to reach the minor flood level (4.60 m) Saturday morning.

The Hawkesbury River at Lower Portland may reach the minor flood level (4.60 m) Saturday morning.

Colo River:

Moderate flooding may occur along the Colo River.

The Colo River at Putty Road is likely to exceed the minor flood level (2.70 m) overnight Friday into Saturday. The river level may reach the moderate flood level (5.70 m) Saturday morning.

Macdonald River:

River levels are elevated on the Coxs River.

Flood Safety Advice:

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.

• * Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
• * Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
• * Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
• * Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.

For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:

* NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au

* RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com

* Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/greatersydney.shtml

* Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

* Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

* BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW