Evacuation orders for south-west Sydney, more storms set to lash state

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of the NSW, South Coast, Central NSW and Greater Sydney region.

Affected areas include parts of Sydney, Wollongong, Bowral, Port Kembla, Albion Park and Kiama with storms set to bring intense rainfall that may lead to life-threatening flash flooding.

“A strong and very moist onshore airflow is combining with trough moving southwards through the Metropolitan and Illawarra districts to produce clusters of heavy showers and a few thunderstorms,” the Bureau said in an update this morning.

Water NSW said Warragamba Dam will commence to spill through the crest gates within the next six to eight hours today as day of rain fall has caused the city’s water catchments to fill.

The spill from the dam may continue for up to two weeks, Water NSW warned.

Overnight Greater Sydney was pounded by intense rain, with Penrith recording up to 167 millimetres, and Terrey Hills and Canterbury copping more than 150mm since 9am yesterday.

In the Illawarra, Albion Park was smashed by 190mm while Bellambi, just north of Wollongong recorded up to 194mm.

The deluge has sent inflows to the Hawkesbury River, prompting the State Emergency Services to issue an evacuation order for several low-lying communities.

Residents in Lower Portland have been told to evacuate by 8am as the Hawkesbury River is set to reach the minor flood level 4.6 metres this morning.

Communities in Penrith and north Richmond are preparing to evacuate are also preparing to evacuate more intense rain is expected to fall throughout the day.

“The Bureau of Meteorology advises The Nepean River at Penrith is likely to exceed the minor flood level (3.90 m) early Saturday morning,” the SES said.

“The river level may reach around 6.70 metres Saturday morning, with minor flooding.”