Improving weather conditions are expected for today throughout New South Wales but floods are still occurring in a number of areas around the Hawkesbury, Upper Nepean and Colo rivers.
Major flooding is happening along the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond, Windsor, Sackville, Lower Portland and Wisemans Ferry.
The Hawkesbury River is expected to fall below the major flood level in some areas today, but in others, including North Richmond and Windsor, it may not be until Saturday.
The Nepean River is causing minor flooding in Penrith.
Moderate flooding is also occurring from the Colo River at Putty Road.
Many roads have been damaged around the state leaving "an enormous task ahead" according to Roads Minister Natalie Ward.
Transport for NSW is still warning to "expect delays and potential cancellations on Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink Intercity and Regional train services and buses in affected areas" and recommends to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has directed people to evacuate from a number of areas at risk of being isolated.
Those who don’t leave may be trapped without power, water and other essential services and it may be too dangerous to organise rescues.
The recommendation is then to stay outside of the flood areas, with family, friends or at accommodation. If that’s not possible, have been made available.
Source: NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service
If you need to leave your home, this is the advice provided by the State Emergency Service:
- Take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables with you.
- Relocate other personal possessions to a safer/higher place.
- Leave as early as possible to avoid congested roads.
- Take drinking water and food due to possible long travel times.
- Share this information with family, friends and neighbours and help others where possible.
If you are in a life-threatening emergency situation, call Triple Zero (000). Call the NSW SES on 132 500 if you have experienced damage from storms, wind, hail or a fallen tree and if a tree branch is threatening your property or a person’s safety.