Heavy Rain Eases While Flood Risk Remains in Multiple Areas Across New South Wales [BoM]

Flood risk continues to threaten New South Wales, Australia, even if heavy rain has started to ease, according to reports.

Sydney, as well as other cities and towns, across the state are still at risk of sudden rise of floodwaters.

New South Wales Flooding

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) at 12:30 p.m. AEDT (local time) on Sunday, October 9, issued the following flood alerts, forecasting these areas could reach major or near major flood levels in the coming days:

• Warren along the Macquarie River
• Cottons Weir, Euabalong, Forbes, Jemalong, and Nanami along the Lachlan River
• Gundagai along the Murrumbidgee River
• Weilmoringle along the Culoga River
• Tilpa along the Darling River

The BoM said some catchments east of the Divide are experiencing renewed flooding from the rainfall event, including the Hawkesbury and Nepean areas.

Although heavy rain is no longer expected in the next few days, areas situated east of the Divide will experience patches of rain.

The Australian Government's weather agency added that the temporary calmer weather is short-lived as another system will bring rain from Wednesday to Friday, October 12 to October 14.

The agency also retained flood watches and flood warnings.

The Bureau advised the public to be updated on the latest local weather developments and that communities should follow the advice of emergency services.

Eastern Australia Flooding

Over the past week, New South Wales and other areas across Eastern Australia experienced a new surge of flooding, which is hastened by full dams and rivers.

New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet told reported there is a significant risk of flash flooding across the state.

The rapid rise of floodwaters is evident due to conditions of the said dams and rivers, which immediately serve as a catch basin during a heavy rain, as cited by Reuters.

Australia's most populous state on Saturday, October 8, was bracing for more torrential rain and potential flooding as the number of issued weather warnings increased to 64.

Local authorities also urged the public to exercise extreme care and avoid travel.

This comes as weather officials said that rain since October 5 in some parts of New South Wales raised the levels of nearby and inland rivers, putting Sydney and other locations at risk and prompting the issuance of flood warnings.

In spite of the forecasted easing of rain in New South Wales, flood warning will still continue, Channel News Asia reported.

Riverine Flooding

The localized flood threat in Eastern Australia highlights riverine flooding, which pertains to the overflow of water levels among inland bodies of water like rivers, streams, and lakes.

Since the start of 2022, the eastern half of the country experienced similar weather hazards fueled due to a La Nina weather event for a third straight years.

The event brought above-average precipitation, which is expected until the remainder of the year.

Last week, Sydney recorded its wettest year since recordings began in 1858.

Aside from flooding, there is also a risk of landslips and fallen trees.