A Watch and Act warning has been issued across Wagga Wagga and Yass. Photo: NSW SES.
A Watch and Act warning has been issued for the Wagga Wagga and Yass areas by the NSW SES with “dangerous and life-threatening” flash flooding expected throughout today (2 March).
The Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said a very heavy band of rainfall was slowly moving eastwards across southern NSW.
“We have severe weather warnings for heavy to locally intense rainfall for much of western and southern inland areas of NSW,” he said.
“[This could] lead to flash and riverine flooding, and possible inundation of homes, properties and businesses.”
55 mm has already been recorded at Hay.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 mm and 90 mm are possible in the Watch and Act area, along with isolated thunderstorms.
It’s due to a trough slowly moving east, drawing moisture from central Australia.
Flood watches have been issued as the rain is expected to exacerbate isolated river and creek-level rises.
“These conditions are likely to affect road access in many areas in coming days. Some communities may become isolated. Check road conditions before travelling,” the Bureau warned.
“At this stage, river levels along the Barwon-Darling, Murrumbidgee, Tumut, Queanbeyan and Molonglo rivers are expected to remain below minor flood levels, but localised flooding is possible.”
The risk of heavy, locally intense rainfall is forecast to ease during Tuesday morning (3 March).
A larger severe weather warning has been issued for much of southern NSW. Photo: BoM.
The NSW SES has advised those within the Watch and Act area to:
- Move or stay indoors clear of windows, bringing children and pets with you
- If you must travel, consider the consequences of road conditions and closures and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel
- Use stairs instead of lifts in severe weather. You may become trapped if the power goes out
- If your roof or balcony is struck by a fallen tree/branch or other large debris – stay clear and remain indoors if you can. It may have been structurally weakened, even if there is no obvious damage
- Have your emergency kit and grab and go bag handy in case you lose power
- If caught outdoors, shelter under sturdy cover away from lightning, hail, falling branches
- Stay clear of fallen trees, power lines and damaged buildings.
For emergency assistance, call NSW SES on 132 500 or call Triple Zero (000) in a life-threatening emergency.
