The Bureau of Meteorology has just issued urgent alert warning residents in NSW and Qld that heavy rain and flooding are bound to get worse over the next 24 hours.
“Conditions are expected to worsen tomorrow & could cause dangerous flash flooding & riverine flooding,” the Bureau revealed as per news.com.au.
#NSWWeather: A number of #wet and stormy ?️ days forecast for NSW, particularly over the northern slopes where severe storms and #flooding is likely. Make sure you are prepared @NSWSES
Warnings: https://t.co/MpWeWO83QS
Forecasts: https://t.co/wFSHfQB14t pic.twitter.com/jP6thhd60d— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) November 9, 2021
Bureau meteorologist Jonathan confirmed on Wednesday that “Multiple states and territories are now under rain warnings and flood watches as wet and stormy weather grips large parts of Australia over the past 24 hours. We’ve already seen phenomenal rainfall.”
“In addition, thunderstorm warnings will be issued in coming days and some storms may have the potential to produce life-threatening flash flooding and damaging to destructive winds,” Mr. How added.
“Expected rain will lead to Riverine flooding and flood watches are current for the interior and towards the coast.”
The Bureau mentioned that the worst of it will hit NSW on Thursday and into early Friday and that communities in the northern reaches of NSW will be some of the worst affected areas.
BOM senior meteorologist Jane Golding said, “we’re seeing a very deep low-pressure system over South Australia that’s tracking towards NSW.”
“The combination of these two systems will bring wet and stormy weather to NSW and we’re expecting some very intense rainfall in some areas and potentially some very cold air to follow it.”
Beginning today all the way to Saturday, the rain in NSW will be “very heavy” at times and, because soils in many areas are already saturated from a wetter than average spring, it is likely to cause flooding.
“Storms more generally will be a feature across the state, so those dangerous flash flooding type rainfall rates could be seen across many areas,” she revealed.
“We are looking at a wet and stormy second half to this week. We’re already starting to see the rainfall and we’re expecting that rainfall to increase. Record-breaking rain is likely for some locations.”
Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey from the NSW State Emergency Service said that around 10,000 members were on standby to respond to the “significant rain event”.
“The message is be aware and be prepared,” he said in a statement as per news.com.au. “The SES along with our partner emergency service agencies are in a heightened state of readiness. If you live in a flood-prone area, know that risk and plan accordingly.”
