Warragamba dam set to spill as flood warnings issued

Sydney’s Warragamba Dam is near full capability, and will attain full capability “anytime in the coming hours”, WaterNSW warned this afternoon.

“If you are downstream of the dam, stay away from fast-flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains,” they mentioned.

The warning comes as parts of New South Wales have been hit with extreme climate warnings whereas Sydney is roofed in a blanket of gray drizzle.

A flood recommendation alert was issued for Colo and the Hawkesbury Nepean space by NSW SES simply earlier than 1pm.

The state’s south, together with the Illawarra, the South Coast, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains have been issued extreme climate warnings, with heavy rain and flash flooding forecast.

Rainfall of as much as 70 and 90 mm was anticipated over six hours this morning, with remoted extreme rainfalls of as much as 100 to 120 mm potential, in response to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Nowra, Batemans Bay, Moruya Heads, Ulladulla, Narooma and Araluen all fall inside the firing line of the coastal trough.

The state emergency service has warned residents to keep away from driving by means of flood waters.

The Illawarra and Batemans Coasts have additionally been issued robust wind warnings.

The Macquarie, Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra coasts have additionally been issued hazardous surf warnings.

“Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming in the following area,” BoM mentioned.

NSW Police mentioned folks ought to “consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.”

Meanwhile, Sydney is anticipating between 25mm and 45mm of rain right this moment, with an opportunity of thunderstorms.

Rainfall is anticipated to ease by Sunday morning.