Emergency services across New South Wales have been inundated with calls for help as heavy rain and damaging winds lash the state's south coast, with a caravan park flooding and more than 270 incidents reported. The wild weather is predicted to extend deep into the weekend, prompting urgent safety warnings from authorities.
Widespread Damage and Stranded Communities
In the 24 hours leading up to 3pm on Friday, the State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 274 calls for assistance. The majority came from the state's south, where residents reported leaking roofs, fallen trees, and requested sandbags to protect properties. The situation turned dire for some travellers, with water on the road and a downed tree trapping approximately 40 cars on the Princes Highway near Eden for several hours.
Meanwhile, about 100 people found themselves stranded at a local golf club after surrounding areas were inundated. The Garden of Eden Caravan Park was overcome by floodwaters on Thursday, with management blaming a lack of creek maintenance by authorities for causing the park to flood "once again."
"Floodwater has backed up into our park, bringing debris, destroying sections of fencing, and rendering multiple sites unusable," the park stated. The emergency forced staff to urgently relocate at least 40 guests into cabins after their camping sites were submerged.
Authorities Issue Stern Weekend Warnings
With more extreme weather, including damaging winds, forecast from Friday night and across the weekend between Sydney and the south coast, emergency services are on high alert. The SES has urged people within the severe weather warning zone to avoid unnecessary travel.
NSW SES Chief Superintendent Dallas Burnes advised holidaymakers camping near foreshores, river mouths, and estuaries to be prepared for flash flooding. "People staying near rivers, lakes and coastal areas should be prepared to move to higher ground and avoid driving or walking through floodwater if conditions deteriorate," he said. He also warned campers to avoid setting up under trees and to relocate early if their location becomes unsafe.
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) has declared beaches from Sydney to the Victorian border "far too dangerous" for swimming, boating, or rock fishing over the coming days. Brent Manieri, SLSNSW's Public Safety and Emergency Management General Manager, referenced the seven coastal drownings during the hazardous surf of the new year period, pleading with the public to understand their limitations. "We really want to stress this message to rock fishers, with rock platforms being a particularly dangerous place to be," he emphasised. There have been 30 coastal drownings in NSW since July.
School Holiday Travellers Urged to Take Extra Care
The severe weather coincides with the school holiday period, bringing an influx of visitors to the region who may be unfamiliar with the local conditions. Authorities have urged these travellers to take extra care, check local conditions regularly, and follow all safety advice.
The SES has confirmed that rescue crews and assets are prepositioned and ready to respond if needed. The public is reminded that the NSW SES can be contacted on 132 500 for flood and storm assistance, while Triple-0 (000) should be called for life-threatening emergencies.
The warnings for NSW come as communities in Victoria's southwest begin clean-up efforts after record-breaking flash flooding on Thursday washed cars out to sea and swamped campgrounds along the Great Ocean Road.
