BOM Warns of Possible “Minor – Major” Flooding in Hawkesbury

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is warning of possible “minor to major” flooding in the Hawkesbury Nepean River from late Friday night.

“A coastal trough is forecast to deepen and potentially develop into a low pressure system between Friday and Saturday. The trough is forecast to move towards the south coast by late Saturday bringing widespread rainfall. This rainfall has the potential to cause minor to moderate flooding along parts of the Mid North Coast, Wollombi Brook, Sydney region, South Coast and parts of the North West from early Saturday. Minor to Major flooding is also possible along the Hawkesbury Nepean River from late Friday, “the BOM said in it’s first Flood Watch Report issued at 3.45pm today.

“This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop,” the BOM said.

Sydney and its surrounding regions, including the Blue Mountains, are bracing for severe weather conditions predicted for Friday and Saturday. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued warnings of heavy rain, potentially exceeding 200 mm, as a powerful cut-off low and moisture-rich trough converge.

Residents are being urged to take precautions and prepare for the impending poor weather. Recommendations include trimming branches, cleaning gutters, and securing loose items around homes. More up top date flood warnings are anticipated to be issued on both Friday and Saturday.

Communities are being urged to monitor weather conditions at www.bom.gov.au or by downloading the Hazards Near Me app which will advise people on the latest flood and storm warnings.

According to the BOM’s latest weather warning issued at 2pm AEDT, thunderstorms are expected to develop in southern and south-eastern Queensland on Wednesday, with rain intensifying along the New South Wales (NSW) coast and extending further south. The trough is anticipated to deepen by Friday, potentially evolving into a low-end east-coast low. This weather system is projected to impact the mid-north coast of NSW before moving towards the Hunter, Sydney, Blue Mountains, and Illawarra regions by Friday evening.

The forecast suggests the weather system will progress southward on Saturday, affecting the Illawarra and the NSW south coast. BOM forecasts indicate rainfall totals ranging between 100-200 mm across southern Queensland and much of eastern NSW. Some coastal areas may experience isolated falls exceeding 200 mm, particularly in conjunction with thunderstorms.

“The rainfall totals over the Thursday to Saturday period are likely to reach 100-200 mm across southern Queensland and much of eastern NSW. Isolated falls pushing above 200 mm about some of those coastal areas and with any storms that develop,” the BOM said.

“Rainfall of this magnitude can quickly lead to flash flooding cutting off our roads and making them impassable and blocking our drainage systems. We may also see Riverine flooding developing through Friday and into Saturday with flood warnings likely to be issued,” it said.

Sean Keans, assistant commissioner of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), said it was important for communities to be prepared, particularly those along the east coast, Blue Mountains, and metropolitan Sydney. He urged residents to heed advice, prepare their homes, and stay informed about changing weather conditions.

“We still have a few days until the weather may deteriorate, so it’s a good time to make sure you take steps to prepare your homes,” Keans advised. Emergency assets and crews have been strategically positioned ahead of the forecasted severe weather. SES flood and storm response teams remain on standby to assist if necessary.

“Flood and storms teams are on standby to respond should they be required, but we’re pleading with the community to be prepared, stay informed and not drive through floodwaters,” he said.