The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for expected heavy rainfall for people on the South Coast and Snowy Mountains regions.
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A slow moving frontal and low pressure system over southeastern Australia is drawing humid, tropical air south across the state. This system is expected to generate widespread thunderstorms over eastern NSW Thursday and Friday. On Friday, the trough will move closer to the south coast, leading to intense rainfall in this area.
Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is possible on Friday for parts of the South Coast south of Moruya, including the adjacent ranges. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to intensify from Friday morning.
Twelve-hour totals of 50 to 100mm with isolated 24-hour totals in excess of 150mm are possible.
Thunderstorm activity will locally enhance rainfall totals. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings may also be issued.
A Flood Watch is also current for this area.
Locations which may be affected include Eden, Bega, Narooma, Moruya Heads, Bombala, Merimbula and Nimmitabel.
Flood alert issued for Bega catchment
A Flood Watch has been issued for the South Coast with minor flooding possibly developing along the Bega River from Friday.
A low pressure centre is expected to form within the trough near the Victorian border. This system, combined with high levels of moisture, is generating shower and thunderstorm activity throughout the state, with some thunderstorms likely to become severe.
Heavier showers and thunderstorms are expected to contract further east during Friday and Saturday, then to the northeast on Sunday.
The weather system is expected to bring intense rainfall and has the potential to cause local overland flooding as well as riverine flooding from Friday.
Catchments likely to be affected include: Moruya and Deua Rivers (local flooding), Tuross River (local and riverine flooding), Bega River (minor flooding), Towamba River (local and riverine flooding).
If this weather system intensifies, flooding could develop on the Bega River. If so, the Bureau will issue Flood Warnings predicting flood heights at the Bega North gauge.
Based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology the following areas may be impacted by floodwaters:
- Low lying areas of Jellat-Jellat
- Kalaru
- Reedy Swamp
- Angledale
- Rocky Hall
- Bega
- Tathra
- Yowrie
- Wyndham
- Brogo
- Towamba
- People living or working along the Bega River and surrounding streams
- Water over the Bega-Tathra Rd at the cattle crossing in Jellat
- Low lying areas of Mogareeka
If heavy rainfall and/or river rises continue access roads may be cut and low lying rural areas may become isolated.
What you should do
People in areas that may be impacted by flooding should prepare their properties and homes.
Stay up to date with information. Listen to flood warnings and follow the advice on how to protect yourself, family and property
Consider collecting essential items in a waterproof bag: food, water, warm clothes, medications, valuables, important documents, toys for children in case you need to leave.
Keep your pets close by, always know where they are.
Clean up yards and secure moveable objects such as trampolines, BBQs and outdoor furniture.
Check on your family, friends and neighbours and share this information.
Farmers and rural property owners should watch the river and be ready to move pumps, other equipment and livestock away from rising waters.
Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500
