Damaging winds have been forecast for Tuesday and into Wednesday for the ACT as much of NSW prepares for continued heavy rainfall and flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the territory and much of the NSW east coast for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The warning extends from Coffs Harbour to Bega and includes the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan area, Illawarra, South Coast, and parts of the Tablelands and Northwest Slopes and Plains.
An upper low over northern NSW will slowly move south on Monday afternoon and into Tuesday. Meanwhile, a surface trough off the NSW coast is expected to strengthen, bringing moist south-easterlies onto much of NSW and the territory.
South-easterly winds are expected to increase from Tuesday morning over the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, ACT, and Illawarra districts.
Damaging south-westerly winds with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible on Tuesday and set to continue into Wednesday.
Recent weather has closed multiple roads across the ACT with Coppins Crossing and Uriarra Crossing closed on Sunday night following recent wet weather. Road closures also include: Oaks Estate Crossing, Point Hut Crossing, Sunshine Crossing and Angle Crossing.
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The ACT is set for a top of 23 degrees and possible light showers for Monday with eight to 20 millimetres of rainfall on Tuesday and a top of 20 degrees.
On Friday, Queanbeyan SES volunteers assisted crews from Braidwood to rescue a woman trapped in flood water on Bombay Road.
The vehicle had become stuck in fast flowing water with the occupant forced to climb onto the tray.
Three of rescue members entered the water and retrieved the woman successfully.
The SES has advised:
- Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES unit on 132 500.
