MAJOR FLOODING SIMILAR TO MARCH 2021 EVENT POSSIBLE WITH FORECAST RAIN OVERNIGHT WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY
Recent rainfall over the Nepean and Hawkesbury River catchments and a deepening East Coast Low is bringing heavy rainfall from Wednesday (2 March 2022) with the potential to cause major flooding along the Nepean and and Hawkesbury Rivers.
River level rises are occurring along the Nepean River where major flooding is possible from Wednesday afternoon.
Along the Hawkesbury major flooding is possible from overnight Wednesday into Thursday at Penrith, North Richmond and Windsor based on forecast rainfall.
Warragamba Dam commenced spilling around 06:00am Wednesday.
A flood watch is current for the Upper Coxs and Macdonald River.
Upper Nepean River:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Upper Nepean River at Menangle Bridge, with further rises to the major flood level possible Wednesday afternoon.
The Nepean River at Menangle Bridge is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (9.20 m) around 1:30 pm Wednesday. The river level may reach the major flood level (12.20 m) Wednesday early Wednesday evening. Further rises are possible.
The Nepean River at Camden Weir may exceed the minor flood level (6.80 m) late Wednesday afternoon. The river level may reach the moderate flood level (8.30 m) Wednesday evening and may reach around 9.00 metres Thursday morning, with moderate flooding. Further rises possible.
The Nepean River at Wallacia Weir may exceed the minor flood level (5.00 m) Wednesday evening. The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (8.70 m) Thursday morning and may reach around 13.00 metres Thursday afternoon, with major flooding.
Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River:
Minor flooding is occurring at Penrith and North Richmond. Major flooding is possible along the Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River at Penrith, North Richmond and Windsor.
The Nepean River at Penrith may exceed the moderate flood level (7.90 m) late Wednesday evening. Further rises to the major flood level are possible with forecast rain.
The Hawkesbury River at North Richmond (WPS) is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (7.90 m) late Wednesday afternoon. The river level may exceed the major flood level (10.50 m) Wednesday evening and may reach around 14.00 metres during Thursday, with major flooding. Further rises possible.
The Hawkesbury River at Windsor (WPS) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.80 m) late Wednesday afternoon. The Hawkesbury River at Windsor (WPS) may exceed the moderate flood level (7.00 m) Wednesday evening and may reach the major flood level (12.20 m) during Thursday. Further rises possible.
The Hawkesbury River at Sackville is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.60 m) Thursday morning. The river level may reach the moderate flood level (7.30 m) during Thursday. Further rises are possible. The Hawkesbury River at Lower Portland may exceed the moderate flood level (6.10 m) Thursday morning. Further rises above the major flood level (7.60 m) are possible with forecast rainfall.
The Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry may reach the moderate flood level (3.50 m) Thursday morning. Further rises possible.
Colo River:
Minor flooding is occurring along the Colo River at Putty Road. Moderate flooding is possible.
The Colo River at Putty Road may reach around 3.50 metres Wednesday evening with minor flooding. Further rises above the moderate flood level (5.7m) are possible.
Flood Safety Advice:
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
* Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
* Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
* Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
* Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:
