Sydneysiders warned to stay home as wild weather batters the state
Sydneysiders are being warned to cancel any travel plans for this weekend as the state prepares for wild weather.
More than 120mm of rain is expected to fall in Sydney over the weekend while the Mid North Coast battles with flash flooding.
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott told Ben Fordham there were 400 requests for assistance to the SES overnight.
“What is making me absolutely putrid at the moment is the fact that we had four flood rescues overnight, 11 over the course of this particular operation.
“If anyone thinks that’s acceptable behaviour, think again.
“You wouldn’t walk into a bushfire so why anybody would drive through floodwaters … is beyond me.
“This is not going to be the weekend to take risks.”
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Bray St in Coffs Harbour
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin told Ray Hadley there’s “a lot more to come”.
“There’s something like 26 catchments that now have flood watches issued for them.”
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Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer told Ben Fordham he hasn’t ever seen so much rain.
“We’ve seen roads washed away … landslides that have come down very quickly.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed for the weekend but we’re certainly prepared.”
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In more positive news, North Bondi lifesaver Glenn told Jim Wilson conditions at the beach have been windy today, but dry.
“Today is the calm before the storm, I suppose.
“Certainly come down this evening for a swim, there’s nothing wrong with that, or a surf.”
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Sydney Water spokesperson Maryanne Graham told Jim the emergency taskforce has been mobilised to address any potential drain overflow issues.
“We’ll be responding to calls from community members if there are issues in relation to wastewater flooding and that sort of thing.
“But just heeding the advice of the SES is so critically important in these weather events.”
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Image: File image