- numerous distress calls during continuing sporadic floods
- EXPLORE FURTHER: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane Face Intense Rain Bomb Attack
Continuous and intense rainfall, which has led to considerable flash floods in one state, shows no indication of ceasing. This situation has resulted in numerous urgent calls for help and evacuation orders.
Much of NSW The Mid-North Coast and Hunter regions have borne the brunt of this, with 22 flood rescue operations carried out overnight in these areas.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has issued an urgent evacuation notice for certain residents in Dungog and Paterson, instructing them to leave their homes by midnight at the latest.
Taree, located on the state's mid-north coast, experienced the heaviest rainfall, receiving over 160mm within just six hours during the night and accumulating 267mm since 9am on Monday.
"We witnessed substantial flooding in Taree during the night; several rescue missions involved individuals trapped inside homes as waters rapidly surged above floor levels, forcing them to relocate once more until everyone was safely out," stated NSW SES Chief Superintendent of State Operations Dallas Byrnes to ABC TV.
Low to high flood alerts persist throughout the mid-north coast and Hunter areas, with residents in Taree urged to seek safety indoors.
The SES has requested individuals in remote areas within the region to evacuate, covering places like Dungog, Paterson, Gloucester, Bulahdelah, and Chinchester Dam.
"We are urging the public to remain highly aware of their surroundings... many local streams are rising rapidly," Mr Byrnes stated.
We have conducted many rescues from individuals who entered floodwaters, but we’ve also assisted the majority of people who were unexpectedly caught off guard by flash floods simply because they were in the wrong location.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts rainfall amounts ranging from 60 to 100 millimeters within six hours on Tuesday for sections of the mid-north coast and Hunter region, with some areas potentially seeing up to 100 to 190 millimeters in isolated spots.
Although destructive winds and waves are anticipated to diminish by Tuesday evening, the extensive rainfall is forecasted to persist for several days.
Heavy rainfall remains a significant hazard, especially along the mid-north coast, where flash and riverine floods continue to pose the primary threat," stated Senior Meteorologist Sarah Scully from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Given the accumulation of substantial volumes of water over several days, which affects roads and lower-lying regions, hazardous driving circumstances, alongside anticipated traffic and transportation hold-ups as well as diversions, are likely. Additionally, localized flooding events may persist.
Over 30 educational institutions will remain shut on Tuesday across the mid-north coast, Central Coast, and Hunter areas because of flooding concerns.
The NSW education department alerted parents that schools provide very limited oversight during flooding incidents.
Train services are currently halted between Scone, located in the upper Hunter region, and Newcastle.
Over 6,000 individuals have likewise encountered electrical blackouts.
Rob Ridley from Essential Energy stated that the affected regions are Dungong and Gloucester.
“There are sections of the network currently inaccessible because of water issues; however, we’ve deployed all our available personnel to investigate wherever it’s safe,” he informed ABC.
For help during floods and storms, reach out to NSW SES at 132 500. In case of a life-threatening situation, dial triple zero (000).
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