Key Takeaways:
- Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms have caused flooding throughout the Northern Beaches, with authorities warning of potential flash flooding and evacuations.
- The NSW SES has issued evacuation orders and warnings for several areas, including Narrabeen Lagoon and Manly Lagoon.
- Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep clear of flooded roads and areas.
- The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Watch and Act warning for areas north of Sydney, with very dangerous thunderstorms detected near Terrigal and Palm Beach.
- Over 880 requests for assistance have been made to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) as storms and heavy rainfall continue to impact large sections of the coastline.
Introduction to the Storm
Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms have caused flooding throughout the Northern Beaches, with authorities warning of potential flash flooding and evacuations. The NSW SES has issued evacuation orders and warnings for several areas, including Narrabeen Lagoon and Manly Lagoon. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep clear of flooded roads and areas. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Watch and Act warning for areas north of Sydney, with very dangerous thunderstorms detected near Terrigal and Palm Beach.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings
The NSW SES has issued evacuation orders for Narrabeen Lagoon and surrounds, including the BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, due to rapidly rising floodwaters. Residents are advised to evacuate to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding. The Mona Vale Memorial Hall has been opened as an evacuation centre. The NSW SES has also issued a Watch and Act warning for Manly Lagoon, advising people in the area not to enter floodwater due to current localised flooding. Residents are advised to monitor the situation and be ready to leave safely if instructed.
Storm Updates and Warnings
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for very heavy rainfall, with sustained rain and winds expected throughout Sunday. The heaviest falls are predicted for Sunday morning, with strong winds in damp soil expected to bring down many trees. A very dangerous thunderstorm was detected near Mona Vale and Manly, producing heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding. The storm is expected to move northwest, affecting areas including St Ives and the northwest of Sydney.
Flooding and Damage
Flooding has been reported at several locations, including near Harris Farm in Manly, Barrenjoey Road in Warriewood, and Condamine Street. The Manly ferries appear to be running as normal, but members of the public are advised to monitor updates on the Transport NSW Trip planner. The NSW SES has received over 880 requests for assistance as storms and heavy rainfall continue to impact large sections of the coastline. The SES State Duty Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Sonya Oyston, has urged residents to take necessary precautions and not become complacent.
Safety Advice
The Bureau of Meteorology is urging residents to stay informed by monitoring official weather warnings, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep clear of flooded roads, creeks, and drains. Residents are advised to follow advice from emergency services, not walk, ride, or drive through floodwater, and stay indoors away from windows, keeping children and pets indoors as well. For emergency help in floods and storms, residents can ring the SES on 132 500. The Hazards Near Me NSW app and the ACT ESA website are also available for updates and information.
Conclusion and Updates
This article will be updated as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow the latest updates from the NSW SES and the Bureau of Meteorology. The situation is constantly changing, and residents are urged to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The NSW SES will continue to monitor the situation and update warnings if the situation changes.