Achi news desk-
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the NSW south coast, central NSW and the Greater Sydney region.
Areas affected include parts of Sydney, Wollongong, Bowral, Port Kamble, Albion Park and Kiama with storms expected to bring heavy rains that could lead to life-threatening flash floods.
“A strong and very moist overland airflow is combining with a southerly moving trough through the Metropolitan and Illawarra counties to produce clusters of heavy showers and a few thunderstorms,” ​​the morning update said.
Water NSW said the Warragamba Dam would begin spilling through the sluice gates within the next six to eight hours today as the day’s rain caused the city’s water to fill up.
The spill from the dam could continue for up to two weeks, Water NSW has warned.
Overnight, Greater Sydney was hit with heavy rain, with Penrith recording up to 167mm, and Trey Hills and Canterbury receiving more than 150mm since 9am yesterday.
In the Illawarra, Albion Park was pounded by 190mm while Lambie, just north of Wollongong, recorded up to 194mm.
State emergency services received more than 2,000 calls for help and performed 68 flood rescues with torrential rain causing downed trees and road closures.
The flood sent flow into the Hawkesbury River, prompting state emergency services to issue an evacuation order for several low-lying communities.
Residents in Lower Portland and Pitt Town Bottom have been told to evacuate by 8 a.m. as the Hawkesbury River is expected to reach a minor flood stage of 4.6 meters this morning.
Communities in Penrith and North Richmond are preparing to evacuate as more heavy rain is expected throughout the day.
The bride arrives at a Sydney church with a dress covered in a sheet during storms
“The Bureau of Meteorology advises that the Nepean River at Penrith is expected to exceed minor flood stage (3.90m) early on Saturday morning,” the SES said.
The river level may reach 6.70 meters on Saturday morning, with minor floods.”
Warnings for Queensland residents
North of the border, Queenslanders are being urged to avoid all unnecessary travel today with severe storms possible and flooding forecast for areas south of Brisbane.
Heavy, localized falls of between 50 and 100mm are expected to hit Logan, the Gold Coast and the Coast after 24 hours of heavy rain.
The deluge has caused catchment areas to swell, with authorities’ warning levels expected to rise, prompting possible flood warnings as the wet weather continues.
“If you do not need to be on the roads during this time, please reconsider your travel with the current weather conditions,” said Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Chalphy.
