Key Takeaways:
- A woman has died after being struck by a falling tree branch on Macquarie Pass south of Wollongong due to damaging winds and heavy rainfall in New South Wales.
- Over 700 emergency volunteers are responding to hundreds of calls for assistance across the state, with four rescues conducted in the past 24 hours.
- Severe weather warnings are in place across the state, with flash flooding, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail expected in various regions.
- Almost 200mm of rain has fallen in Moruya, with emergency services responding to dozens of incidents.
- Several Sydney beaches have been closed due to dangerous weather conditions, with authorities warning against swimming at unpatrolled beaches.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a woman died after being struck by a falling tree branch on Macquarie Pass south of Wollongong. The incident happened as damaging winds and heavy rainfall lashed New South Wales, causing widespread disruption and chaos. Emergency services were called to the Illawarra Highway, near Clover Hill Road, just before 4pm after a tree branch fell onto the roadway and onto a passing vehicle. A male front-seat passenger suffered minor injuries, while two rear-seat passengers were unhurt. The Macquarie Pass is expected to remain closed for several hours as police investigate and prepare a report for the coroner.
Emergency Response and Weather Warnings
The NSW State Emergency Service has responded to the incident, with over 700 emergency volunteers working to respond to hundreds of calls for assistance across the state. A number of severe weather warnings are in place, with Mona Vale and Palm Beach bearing the brunt of flash flooding on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The state emergency service has received hundreds of calls for assistance, with four rescues conducted in the past 24 hours. Some people have been trapped in vehicles surrounded by floodwaters, highlighting the dangers of the severe weather conditions. Thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are also likely in the Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions, where rainfall could reach up to 120 millimeters in the next 24 hours.
Impact of the Severe Weather
The severe weather has had a significant impact on the state, with almost 200mm of rain falling in Moruya in the state’s far south coast over the past 48 hours. Emergency services have responded to dozens of incidents, with videos posted to social media showing extensive flooding on roads. A Woolworths car park at Umina was also underwater, highlighting the severity of the flooding. NSW State Emergency Service Superintendent Matt Kirby said that much of the work would focus on clearing fallen trees and repairing damaged and leaking roofs. He warned that the severe weather was not expected to ease until at least Sunday and reminded people not to drive through floodwaters and to be wary of where they park their vehicles.
Beach Closures and Safety Warnings
The severe weather has also led to the closure of several Sydney beaches, including Coogee, Bronte, Tamarama, and Maroubra beaches. Bondi Beach was one of the few to remain open on Saturday, but NSW Surf Life Saving chief executive Steven Pearce warned that conditions were dangerous across the coast. He advised against swimming at unpatrolled beaches, saying that it would be "completely mad" to do so in the current conditions. Authorities will continue to assess conditions before a decision is made to reopen all beaches on Sunday. Mr. Pearce added that there have been no reported drownings or serious incidents along the NSW coast, but emphasized the importance of exercising caution in the severe weather conditions.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the severe weather conditions in New South Wales have resulted in a tragic incident and widespread disruption. The emergency services are working tirelessly to respond to the situation, with over 700 volunteers involved in the response efforts. The severe weather warnings are expected to remain in place until at least Sunday, and people are advised to exercise caution and follow the instructions of authorities. The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for severe weather conditions and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to stay informed and follow the latest updates from authorities to stay safe.