Thousands of residents across Sydney’s west have been evacuated from their homes as intense rainfall hits.

Dozens of evacuation orders have been issued for low lying areas on the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Georges Rivers.

Evacuation centres have been set up in several areas, including at Blacktown, Menai, Penrith and Richmond.

More than 250 schools across NSW have been shut due to the flooding and road closures across the state.

Sky News Weather analyst Rob Sharpe has told Jim Wilson the weather conditions have calmed down and improved.

“Conditions are on an improving trend.”

It’s expected showers will be light throughout tonight.

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Bureau of Meteorology Helen Kirkup told Jim Wilson the rain is starting to hit the Northern Beaches.

She said the weather is easing over greater Sydney and “could be some sunshine tomorrow”.

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SES Commissioner Carlene York told Jim Wilson there breathing “a sigh of relief” as the wild weather has yet to hit Sydney.

The SES is still on high alert and Ms York said “we’re still ready to respond to any calls of assistance”.

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Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Councillor Khal Asfour has told Jim Wilson the residents are moving roadblocks.

“We have a bunch of boofheads that think it’s ok for them to move those road barriers.”

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Bureau of Meteorology’s Jackson Brown told Deborah Knight the east coast low is currently staying over the Hunter and is yet to hit the Sydney area.

“Rainfall has largely sparred Sydney.”

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Shadow Minister for Tourism and Central Coast David Harris told Deborah Knight areas near Wyong have had to be evacuated.

People are remaining “resilient,” he said.

“The whole community is gathering around and helping each other.

Heavy rain continues to make its way down and Mr Harris said, “the water levels are creeping up, but have yet to hit our infrastructure”.

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Vet based in Vineyard Dr Rob Zammit told Deborah Knight the area is looking not too bad for now.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to not have flooded out.

Multiple animals have been handed to Dr Zammit as a result of the weather.

“We’re trying to find places for them now.”

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