Severe Weather Warning for DAMAGING WINDS and HEAVY RAINFALL
For people in parts of Illawarra, South Coast and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is occurring over the warning area. Rainfall is forecast to continue while extending slightly northwards during the day before easing by this evening.
Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 to 100 mm are possible, with localised heavier falls to 150mm possible in persistent bands of heavy rain.
Locally DAMAGING WINDS averaging 65 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible over coastal areas and elevated terrain of the South Coast and southern Illawarra districts during Friday morning and afternoon.
A Flood Watch is current for the South Coast. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/ for more information.
Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Batemans Bay, Moruya Heads, Huskisson, Ulladulla and Narooma.
153.6mm recorded in the 6 hours to 8:00am at Lake Conjola, with 104mm falling in 3 hours.
170.8mm recorded in the 6 hours to 5:00am in the ranges immediately west of Moruya, with 122mm falling in 3 hours.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* 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.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
