The Bureau of Meteorology has released a second flood watch for the Colo and Macdonald Rivers today, 29 November 2024, as surface troughs lie across the eastern part of the state.
Moisture from the Northern Territory continues to feed the troughs across NSW, Queensland, and Victoria. Thunderstorms are likely this Friday afternoon in Sydney, with severe thunderstorms likely to occur in the Central West in NSW and South West Queensland.
The weather event may cause minor to moderate flooding in the Flood Watch areas from Saturday, 30 November.
“Two troughs lie across NSW today; one on the south coast and the other through the central inland. The inland trough remains for several days as the coastal trough moves south over the Bass Strait during Saturday,” the BOM reported on its flood watch.
“A low-pressure system also forms in the Bass Strait during Saturday, driving further unsettled weather in southern NSW. The inland trough is forecast to be pushed offshore as a high-pressure system moves in from the west during Sunday and Monday.”
More severe conditions await a significant chunk of eastern Australia on Saturday, as severe thunderstorms are possible. Riverina and parts of Lower Western, Upper Western and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts, along with northern Victoria, are forecast to be the regions most likely to experience severe weather tomorrow.
The NSW State Emergency Service has responded to more than 420 incidents across the state since yesterday, mostly about reports of fallen trees, branches, and leaking roofs.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul McQueen, is asking residents across the impacted areas to remain vigilant as storms continue.
“I’m urging residents to monitor the conditions as we see these storms continue into the weekend. There is the potential for flash flooding so please ensure you make safe decisions on the road and do not enter any flooded causeways or roads,” Acting Assistant Commissioner said.
“Please do not drive, play or ride through flood waters. Stop, turn around and find an alternative route. If you find yourself trapped on a flooded road, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”
The BOM shares some insights on the flood watch:
“This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.”
‘Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.”
“Severe Weather Warnings will be issued or updated if very heavy rain is forecast or observed.”
For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For emergency assistance, call the SES on telephone number 132 500
For life-threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately
For the latest flood and weather warnings, see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
For the latest rainfall and weather forecast,s see www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
For the latest rainfall and river level information,on see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood
