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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2016/jun/05/sydney-weather-flood-warnings-as-torrential-rain-expected-to-last-for-hours

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Wild weather: flood warnings as east coast low sweeps down – live updates Wild weather: flood warnings as east coast low sweeps down – live updates
(35 minutes later)
4.44am BST
04:44
SES volunteers have not just been kept busy by drivers braving flooded roads and getting into trouble but apparently by riders, too. It doesn’t matter if you’re behind the wheel or holding the reins, SES advice is the same: if it’s flooded, forget it.
4.25am BST
04:25
Here’s some more extraordinary footage of the enormous storm swell being whipped up across New South Wales. This taken from Bronte Beach in Sydney.
No swim training today in the ocean pool at Bronte #SydneyStorm would make it a bit hard! pic.twitter.com/NCRT1Bf8w5
4.00am BST4.00am BST
04:0004:00
More photos from the Collaroy-Narrabeen beaches are emerging on social media.More photos from the Collaroy-Narrabeen beaches are emerging on social media.
Some scary coastal erosion at Collaroy-Narrabeen #EastCoastLow #SydneyStorm @ABCenvironment @NewsTalk2UE pic.twitter.com/dBlA6qXcHfSome scary coastal erosion at Collaroy-Narrabeen #EastCoastLow #SydneyStorm @ABCenvironment @NewsTalk2UE pic.twitter.com/dBlA6qXcHf
3.39am BST3.39am BST
03:3903:39
A somewhat dry aphorism on a not very dry day.A somewhat dry aphorism on a not very dry day.
As usual in Parliament House, too many leaks for the staff to keep up. #EastCoastLow pic.twitter.com/cATHBm8XzQAs usual in Parliament House, too many leaks for the staff to keep up. #EastCoastLow pic.twitter.com/cATHBm8XzQ
3.31am BST3.31am BST
03:3103:31
A further flood warning has been issued for the upper Nepean River area. Here’s an update from the State Emergency Service.A further flood warning has been issued for the upper Nepean River area. Here’s an update from the State Emergency Service.
Up to 285 millimetres of rain has fallen over the Nepean River catchment in the last 24 hours to 9am this morning 5/6/16. However, rain has intensified in the last 6 hours, with up to 190 millimetres falling during this period.Up to 285 millimetres of rain has fallen over the Nepean River catchment in the last 24 hours to 9am this morning 5/6/16. However, rain has intensified in the last 6 hours, with up to 190 millimetres falling during this period.
This rainfall is expected to cause moderate flooding in the Nepean River at Menangle, and minor flooding at Camden and Wallacia.This rainfall is expected to cause moderate flooding in the Nepean River at Menangle, and minor flooding at Camden and Wallacia.
Further heavy rainfall, in the order of 100 to 150 millimetres, is forecast for the Nepean, Wollondilly and Hawkesbury River valleys in the next 12 hours.Further heavy rainfall, in the order of 100 to 150 millimetres, is forecast for the Nepean, Wollondilly and Hawkesbury River valleys in the next 12 hours.
Flooding of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River at Penrith and downstream is possible with this forecast rain. The situation is being closely monitored and predictions will be issued if necessary.Flooding of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River at Penrith and downstream is possible with this forecast rain. The situation is being closely monitored and predictions will be issued if necessary.
At this stage it is not possible to predict the flood peak because of uncertainty over how much more rain will fall.At this stage it is not possible to predict the flood peak because of uncertainty over how much more rain will fall.
At this prediction there is a high probability that:At this prediction there is a high probability that:
The NSW SES recommends the following actions:The NSW SES recommends the following actions:
3.27am BST3.27am BST
03:2703:27
There are some extraordinary images being posted from Narrabeen in northern Sydney now. Coastal researcher Mitchell Harley has posted these images, and said that houses are now being threatened by the enormous tide. Residents from the North Narrabeen Caravan Park have already been told to evacuate.There are some extraordinary images being posted from Narrabeen in northern Sydney now. Coastal researcher Mitchell Harley has posted these images, and said that houses are now being threatened by the enormous tide. Residents from the North Narrabeen Caravan Park have already been told to evacuate.
Collaroy Beach Services Club hanging on by a thread (Photo: Steve Pells) #SydneyStorm #erosion @DrEmmaLJohnston pic.twitter.com/ocN6blyB1tCollaroy Beach Services Club hanging on by a thread (Photo: Steve Pells) #SydneyStorm #erosion @DrEmmaLJohnston pic.twitter.com/ocN6blyB1t
Situation getting worse at #Narrabeen. Houses threatened now #SydneyStorm @DrEmmaLJohnston @702sydney @abcnews pic.twitter.com/wOY1HWb4umSituation getting worse at #Narrabeen. Houses threatened now #SydneyStorm @DrEmmaLJohnston @702sydney @abcnews pic.twitter.com/wOY1HWb4um
Narrabeen Lagoon across the Rd from the now evacuated caravan park. video by @sascharundle #EastCoastLow pic.twitter.com/9MFeFSiA2lNarrabeen Lagoon across the Rd from the now evacuated caravan park. video by @sascharundle #EastCoastLow pic.twitter.com/9MFeFSiA2l
3.18am BST3.18am BST
03:1803:18
The poor weather conditions are extending all the way down to Victoria as well. Here’s the latest advisory from Bureau of Meteorology on conditions in East GippslandThe poor weather conditions are extending all the way down to Victoria as well. Here’s the latest advisory from Bureau of Meteorology on conditions in East Gippsland
Severe weather warning: Damaging winds to 90 km/h, heavy rain continues for East Gippsland district of #Victoria. https://t.co/qEEgq3d0o4Severe weather warning: Damaging winds to 90 km/h, heavy rain continues for East Gippsland district of #Victoria. https://t.co/qEEgq3d0o4
3.09am BST3.09am BST
03:0903:09
And here’s another update on flooding from the Bureau of Meteorology as rain continues to fall across the east coast.And here’s another update on flooding from the Bureau of Meteorology as rain continues to fall across the east coast.
Rivers are rising #BigWetTas. See https://t.co/q1tV7Q1Mtq for the latest flood warnings pic.twitter.com/hCek4rpOFlRivers are rising #BigWetTas. See https://t.co/q1tV7Q1Mtq for the latest flood warnings pic.twitter.com/hCek4rpOFl
3.09am BST3.09am BST
03:0903:09
This image from Saturday posted by the Bureau of Meteorology shows the low moving across the east coast in quite stunning detail.This image from Saturday posted by the Bureau of Meteorology shows the low moving across the east coast in quite stunning detail.
#EastCoastLow shown spectacularly in this enhanced satellite loop. Cloud also streaming into WA from Indian Ocean. pic.twitter.com/MCP2tXDQiW#EastCoastLow shown spectacularly in this enhanced satellite loop. Cloud also streaming into WA from Indian Ocean. pic.twitter.com/MCP2tXDQiW
3.01am BST3.01am BST
03:0103:01
Trains in Sydney and across parts of the broader east coast lines are also not running on some lines due to the weather conditions. Here’s a few updates from Sydney Trains on the latest.Trains in Sydney and across parts of the broader east coast lines are also not running on some lines due to the weather conditions. Here’s a few updates from Sydney Trains on the latest.
#InnerWestLine- services to Lewisham replaced by bus due to flooding of the subway. More: https://t.co/lPBK38d7Db#InnerWestLine- services to Lewisham replaced by bus due to flooding of the subway. More: https://t.co/lPBK38d7Db
#SouthernHighlandsLine - allow extra travel time after a train requiring mechanical repairs earlier - buses may supplement some services.#SouthernHighlandsLine - allow extra travel time after a train requiring mechanical repairs earlier - buses may supplement some services.
#NorthShoreLine - major delays expected due to a tree caught in the overhead wiring at Wollstonecraft. More: https://t.co/qVPlGT4Ubj#NorthShoreLine - major delays expected due to a tree caught in the overhead wiring at Wollstonecraft. More: https://t.co/qVPlGT4Ubj
#CentralCoastNewcastleLine Major delays expected due to heavy rainfall and tree on the line at Mt Kuring-Gai. More: https://t.co/L5oSZ9rJNp#CentralCoastNewcastleLine Major delays expected due to heavy rainfall and tree on the line at Mt Kuring-Gai. More: https://t.co/L5oSZ9rJNp
Severe weather conditions can cause delays. Please take care on trains and platforms and delay travel if possible. pic.twitter.com/G8WJlSr6n7Severe weather conditions can cause delays. Please take care on trains and platforms and delay travel if possible. pic.twitter.com/G8WJlSr6n7
2.59am BST
02:59
State Emergency Service acting deputy commissioner Mark Morrow has just been giving an update on the severe weather conditions. He was asked whether the worst was over for Sydney, and said this in response:
I would say no. I can’t tell you whether it will get beyond the predictions that we have got at the moment but certainly the Bureau is continuing to work very closely with our deputy incident controllers in order to make informed decisions particularly in those areas where lots of Sydney residents live on the other side of a river system which potentially cuts them off from the metropolitan area. But it’s a good idea now to think about work from home or talk to your boss about other arrangements.
2.49am BST
02:49
NSW Police has issued a stern reminder for all drivers to stay safe on roads and to obey road closure signs. It has just issued a release stating a woman has been charged for allegedly drink-driving and driving into floodwaters.
A woman has been charged with drink-driving after allegedly ignoring road closures and driving into floodwaters in Albion Park this morning.
About 5am (Sunday 5 June 2016), emergency services were called to Taylor Road, Albion Park, after a Honda Accord became trapped in floodwaters.
The driver, a 33-year-old Werai woman, was arrested at the scene after returning a positive breath test.
She was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station where she submitted a breath analysis of 0.076. She was charged with low-range drink-driving and is due to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on 6 July 2016.
Police will allege that the woman drove past two road blocks warning of floodwaters on the Illawarra Highway and Taylor Road, before becoming trapped.
2.44am BST
02:44
The stormy weather across Australia’s east coast is quite a change from the temperate conditions that we’ve seen throughout May.
The Conversation has published a useful explainer outlining how and why conditions have changed so rapidly.
In weather jargon, the words “cyclone” or “low” refer to an area where the pressure is lower than everywhere around it.
These can come in many forms – the most well-known are tropical cyclones, which develop where sea surface temperatures are warmer than 26.5C.
However, so-called “extra-tropical cyclones” are a frequent visitor to mid-latitudes around the world. Wherever they are, the strong pressure gradients and convergence of air in the centre can lead to strong winds, large waves, and heavy rainfall.
“East Coast Low” or “East Coast Cyclone” are terms we use for low-pressure systems that develop off the east coast of Australia, generally between Brisbane and eastern Victoria.
This area can experience several different types of low-pressure systems, including those that are formed from the remains of tropical cyclones that have moved southwards (such as Oswald in January 2013) and large extra-tropical cyclones (such as the one that hit the Sydney-Hobart yacht race in December 1998) that form in the storm tracks to the south of the Australian mainland and move to positions off the east coast.
The classic East Coast Low often develops rapidly in surface troughs off the east coast, which is exactly what we saw this week. These lows are one of the hardest challenges for forecasters, as weather forecasting models can find it hard to decide exactly where these lows will form.
2.29am BST
02:29
Here’s a little more on that flood evacuation area. As you can see, conditions in low lying areas such as Lismore are extremely serious at the moment.
WARNING: To people in low-lying areas in North Lismore, evacuate now. #9Today https://t.co/9IYhse5fhr
2.21am BST
02:21
There was also a further flood evacuation order for Lismore at 6am on Sunday morning. Here’s more from the SES.
NSW State Emergency Service | NSW SESSES Homepage > News > 2016 > Evacuation Order for North Lismore Evacuation Order for North Lismore5 June 2016, 6:02AM AET
Flood Evacuation Order for North Lismore
As a result of the flood level predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for Wilsons River at 3:00pm Sunday 05 June 2016 the NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the nominated areas to evacuate within the next 5 hours.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance an evacuation centre has been set up by Family and Community Services at Southern Cross University Bar, Military Road, Lismore.
2.18am BST
02:18
There were several flood evacuation orders issued on Saturday evening by the State Emergency Services. Here’s their post containing details of the specific locations.
Flood Evacuation Order for Billinudgel, Ocean Shores, Golden Beach and New Brighton
As a result of the flood level of 2.5m predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for Marshalls Creek at the Billinudgel Gauge, the NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within low lying areas to evacuate within the next hour, due to water over the road at the intersection of Wilfred Street and the Stock Route. Cars are stopped at the corner of Wilfred Street and Spencer Road, therefore residence are advised to evacuate within the next hour.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance an evacuation centre has been set up by Ocean Shores Country Club from 5:30 pm at Ocean Shores Country Club, 1 Orana Road, Ocean Shores
If you don’t have a car, special transport can also be provided on request if necessary,telephone 132500
Ocean Shores
As a result of major flooding predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Brunswick River, the State Emergency Service is directing all residents in Ocean Shores North and South, on the East of the Pacific Highway to evacuate immediately.
Golden Beach
NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the nominated low lying areas of Golden Beach, including the low lying areas of Berrimbilla Court, Barkala Court, Rangal Road, Konda Court, Redgate Road, Canowindra Court to evacuate immediately
New Brighton
NSW State Emergency Service is directing residents within the nominated low lying areas around the corner of River and Ocean Avenue, Pacific Street, The Esplanade, Casons Lane and River Street areas to evacuate immediately.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads will be congested or closed. You could become trapped.
Flood Evacuation Order for Coffs Creek - Gundagai St gauge
This flood evacuation order is issued for residents in low-lying properties along Coffs Creek on the western edge of the Coffs Harbour CBD between Pacific Highway and Robin Street, including: Gundagai Place, Gundagai Street, Frances Street, Long Street, Jean Street, Korff Street, Eugorie Close, Moonee Street, Scarba Street, Loaders Lane, Goodenough Terrace, Arygll Street and Bray Street.Do not delay your evacuation. Roads may be congested or closed. You could become trapped and need rescue. Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk.Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need accommodation and assistance;
Evacuation Centres are located at:
• Orara High School, Bray Street.
Evacuation route: The following roads should be used as evacuation route
• Goodenough Terrace, Loaders Lane, Brindley Court, McCann Court and Shepherds Lane – Shepherds Lane and Don Patterson Drive – to Mackays Road – to the Orara High School.
• Bray Street – to the Orara High School.
2.08am BST
02:08
There’s plenty of pictures being posted outlining just how severe the weather conditions have been. Here’s a couple from across the coast.
Gerringong on the South coast getting a battering. #wildweather @abcnewsSydney pic.twitter.com/cMI42sI0B8
@NSWSES clear debris from drains as floodwater builds up in Petersham #sydneystorm #sydneyweather #SydneyRain pic.twitter.com/lv8KjfkIIr
More #SydneyStorm #EastCoastLow #Parramatta pic.twitter.com/kYWxN1I9bm
This chap is obviously quite happy to be inside.
Tall kitten is tall. pic.twitter.com/tYHkRx9z8b
Houses at Collaroy have now lost about 5m of their front yards to the sea #SydneyStorm @DrEmmaLJohnston @702sydney pic.twitter.com/CAFgXm7Q9m
2.00am BST
02:00
In addition to the severe weather warning for parts of the NSW East Coast, there’s also been a number of flood warnings. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued alerts for the following areas:
1.46am BST
01:46
The Bureau of Meteorology has the most up to date information about the changing weather patterns across the East Coast. Here’s their latest update in full:
Issued at 10:04 am Sunday, 5 June 2016.
SEVERE WEATHER FOR EASTERN NEW SOUTH WALES
An East Coast Low currently situated over the NSW Mid North Coast will continue to deepen as it moves southwards today. The low is expected to be south of Sydney by early this evening, then remain anchored off the South Coast Sunday night and into Monday morning. The highest winds and heaviest rainfall will strongly depend on the future position and movement of the low.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 65 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are currently being experienced along much of the coast. LOCALLY DESTRUCTIVE WINDS with gusts up to 125 km/h are also possible along central parts of the coast, extending to the south coast during this evening as the low passes close by. The coastal fringe will be particularly under threat with this system. Winds are expected to ease and turn northwesterly as the low passes by.
HEAVY RAIN is expected to cause FLASH FLOODING near the coast south of Port Macquarie today. Rainfall totals of up to 100-200mm are expected over central and southern parts of the coast, with 1-hourly rainfall rates of 30-70mm possible.
Rain and winds have eased in the Northern Rivers and northern parts of the Mid North Coast District. This easing trend should continue to extend southwards during the day.
ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas are likely along the entire coast. The next high tide will be at 8:30pm this evening, where water levels are expected to exceed the highest tide of the year.
VERY HEAVY SURF may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion.
Beach conditions in these areas will be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
In the 24 hours to 9am this morning, widespread falls of 100-200mm have been recorded along the NSW coast. Locally higher falls of 200-400mm have also been observed, with the highest recorded rainfall at Wooli River of 469mm.
Earlier this morning, wind gusts of 98km/h were recorded at Norah Head at 12:21am, 90km/h at Kurnell AWS at 1:30am, and 96km/h at Bellambi AWS at 7.32am and North Head at 8:00am.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
* 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.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
1.30am BST
01:30
Good morning. Australia’s east coast continues to be battered by severe weather conditions on Sunday, following a day of heavy rains, flooding and high wind on Saturday.
Here’s a summary so far:
Follow along for updates throughout the day.