‘Flash flooding can hit anywhere’: Wet weather nightmare returns

Communities across south-eastern Australia are bracing for heavy rain and potential flooding as a “series of cold fronts” sweep across the nation.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warns wet and windy conditions will begin Wednesday afternoon and persist for the “rest of the week”.

Rain will fall over vast swathes of NSW from this evening as a series of cold fronts sweep east. (BoM)

Inland thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall, and a number of flood warnings have been issued across New South Wales and Victoria.

Up to 50mm of rain is expected to fall across vast swathes of NSW, stretching from Newcastle to Moruya Heads on the south coast.

‘We are sending resources everywhere’

Adam Jones, a spokesperson for NSW State Emergency Service (SES), said the agency is particularly concerned about the flooding risk in inland NSW.

“In the last few days we’ve conducted 28 rescues in the Lachlan, Central West and New England areas,” he said.

NSW SES urges residents in affected areas to avoid driving through floodwater, saying they have significant concerns about the wet weather system. (NSW SES)

“Regarding the weather expected to hit central and inland NSW from Wednesday afternoon there is concern with the ground as wet as it is.

“Catchments, dams and farm dams are full. Flash flooding can hit anywhere (so) we are taking this very seriously. We are sending resources everywhere.

“Know your risk and be prepared. Have a plan and act early. We all have different risk factors that can slow us down.”

He reminded residents in affected areas to not drive through floodwater. All non-essential travel should also be avoided.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge seen through the windscreen of a car as rain pours on the city, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. The state of New South Wales has seen more than 500 flood rescues and 927 requests for assistance in the past 24 hours as record rain continues to fall across the eastern states of Australia. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) (AP)

Minor to major flood warnings have been issued for the Namoi River, Macquarie River, Lachlan River and Culgoa, Birrie, Bokhara and Narran Rivers.

In Victoria, minor to moderate warnings have been issued for the Murray and Edward Rivers, the Ovens and King Rivers, and the Loddon River.

The BoM said Sydney could record 15 mm of rain tomorrow, with up to 20mm forecast for Thursday.

Showers and storms will linger to Thursday at least as the front weakens.

The recent spate of wet weather has resulted in the busiest year yet for the NSW SES, which is mostly run by volunteers.

Between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 the service undertook 2645 flood rescues, received more than 64 000 requests for assistance, and completed more than 38 000 storm-related jobs.