With moderate, “welcome” rain predicted for Canberra over the weekend, minor flooding is “possible” for the Queanbeyan and Molonglo rivers, according to a Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) flood watch.
Agata Imielska of BOM said a low pressure system tracking all the way from north-west NSW across the state will bring heavy rainfalls and potentially severe thunderstorms predicted for south-east NSW.
“As that low tracks to the south-east we are expecting heavy falls for the south-east of the state … It’s really important to keep abreast of the current warnings and keep an eye on flood warnings,” she said.
As of 4.30pm today (Friday 7 August), Canberra is predicted to get anywhere from 35-65mm of rain over the weekend, with “possible heavy falls” forecast for Sunday 9 August.
The heaviest falls are expected for the NSW South Coast, with the Bega area expecting 200-300mm of rainfall from today over the weekend.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Greg Lynch said flooding is dangerous and unpredictable, with “additional” flood resources prepared to go to the state’s South Coast if required.
“We certainly ask people not to drive, ride or walk through flood waters. We ask the community to be vigilant if there are storms, to be mindful not to park their cars under trees and to ensure everything in their backyard is tied down.”
Significant snowfall is also expected over NSW alpine regions down to around 1000m above sea levels.
Conditions are expected to ease by Monday 10 August.
In response to the forecast, the ACT Emergency Services Agency encouraged Canberrans to prepare now to minimise damage by ensuring all gutters are clear.
For those with existing damage from recent storm events, please be sure to tarp any areas where water may leak through.
If you need help with damage from storms or floods, call ACTSES on 132 500, and in a life-threatening emergency call Emergency Triple Zero (000).
For more information click visit ACT ESA or BOM.
