Emergency services warn of severe weather ahead

Water spout off the coast at Coledale on Sunday. Picture: NSW SES Wollongong City Unit.

A WARNING has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology and emergency services of severe wet weather over the coming days, which is predicted to include powerful surf conditions.

The warning follows images on social media of a spectacular water spout off Illawarra’s northern beaches on Sunday.

Fire and Rescue NSW is preparing to assist the community in the event of potential flooding this week.

FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said strike teams are on standby and have the capability to respond to a wide range of emergencies in the event of heavy rain and flooding from water rescue to establishing safe zones to assist the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).

“Whilst the NSW SES is the combat agency for flood rescue in NSW, FRNSW provides them with support in weather emergencies where there is high demand,” Commissioner Baxter said.

“In the event of rapid onset of extreme weather, FRNSW also has the capability to conduct flood water rescue and to render the situation safe until the SES arrives.

“Currently we have two strike teams on standby on the south coast to assist the local communities if required and they will conduct flood rescue drills with local fire fighters when time allows to ensure they are fully prepared should bad weather occur.”

Commissioner Baxter said that in addition to emerging situations such as heavy rain and flooding, FRNSW remains vigilant of house fires in the current winter period and urged people to be conscious of home fire safety as cold and wet weather drives more people indoors.

You can prepare by:

• Move vehicles undercover and away from trees and branches;
• Secure loose items around your home;
• Ensure your gutters, down pipes and drains are clear;
• Follow NSW SES Facebook pages and Website for information;

For emergency help in floods, storms and tsunami call 132 500. For life threatening emergencies call triple zero (000).

Keep up to date on weather changes by checking the NSW Bureau of Meteorology website for warnings.

Consider surf conditions and observe any beach closures advised by Wollongong City Council lifeguards, and local surf clubs.

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