The NSW SES is directing people in the following area to EVACUATE NOW due to rising hazardous minor flooding: All of the following properties in Cumberland Reach: - 450 to 480 Laws Farm Road - 560 to 600 and 501 Laws Farm Road Find out more: https://t.co/cj1SgSIv7lpic.twitter.com/LkNCFSwP1c
The focus of the rain is expected to be in northeastern and southeastern NSW and more 33 flood warnings remain across the state.
But Reid said there could be reprieve on the horizon for some Sydneysiders.
“We are expecting a clearance of rainfall for Sydney today,” she said.
“A lot of areas have already seen the heaviest rainband move through, though we are looking at it being an easier day in Sydney as we look towards what water has fallen.”
The severe weather risk was expected to have moved south of the capital on Saturday morning.
But the bureau warned isolated severe thunderstorms may redevelop on Saturday afternoon.
Up to 150mm remained possible within a six-hour period for areas stretching from the Blue Mountains hundreds of kilometres to Narooma.
Evacuation orders were issued for several locations including along the Hawkesbury Nepean and for low-lying parts of Chipping Norton in the heart of western Sydney.
Numerous rivers - including the Hawkesbury, Nepean, Georges, Lower Hunter, Myall, Macquarie and Woronora - were on flood watch.
“With the forecast rainfall, further river level rises and moderate to major flooding is possible from Saturday morning along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers,” the Bureau of Meteorology warned on Friday evening.
Liverpool and Milperra in southern Sydney could experience moderate flooding from the Georges River from Saturday morning.
A flooded road is seen in Tintenbar after heavy rain in Ballina, Australia. Photo / Getty Images
Surfers and other beachgoers were also warned to stay “well away from the surf and surf-exposed areas” due to dangerous conditions, particularly at east-facing beaches.
Scores of community sport teams had their winter seasons delayed with flooded grounds from Wollondilly to the Northern Beaches closed all weekend.
Relief won’t be in sight for Nepean and Hawkesbury communities downstream of Warragamba Dam.
⚠️A Severe Thunderstorm Warning and a Road Weather Alert has been issued for #Sydney. Heavy to intense rainfall and flash flooding is possible. Expect rain to ease this morning. Monitor updates at https://t.co/Ss766eSCrLpic.twitter.com/JR8XS6KeNS
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) April 5, 2024
The reservoir holding most of Sydney’s water supply is expected to spill from Monday.
Premier Chris Minns advised residents to remain alert and up-to-date with warnings in their local areas.
“It is a volatile event and we need to make sure that we’ve got the latest information ... but it does require everybody being alert,” he said on Friday.
