A dire weather warning has prompted a mass exodus on the NSW south coast, forcing campers and travelers to rethink their weekend plans. The region is bracing for a relentless onslaught of heavy rain and damaging winds, with authorities urging caution and swift action. But what exactly is happening, and what should you do if you're in the area? Let's dive in.
A severe weather warning is in effect, stretching across the south coast, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, and Snowy Mountains. The town of Eden bore the brunt of the initial storms, experiencing a dramatic night of flooding. Garden of Eden caravan park manager Bea Bamford had to evacuate campers from low-lying areas, a stark reminder of the storm's intensity.
"We had to remove everybody," she explained, detailing the urgent need to relocate caravans and salvage what they could. "Some tents and a lot of stuff have been left behind and are ruined. They're all packing up and heading home." The nearby river surged, breaching the caravan park's fence line, leaving behind significant debris and destruction.
Authorities are not mincing words: the danger isn't over. The forecast predicts rainfall totals of 50 to 80 millimeters in a six-hour period along the south coast on Friday, with isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 120 millimeters. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has issued a stern warning, emphasizing the significant risks for campers and travelers over the next 48 hours. The Bureau of Meteorology pinpoints the coastline from Wollongong to Moruya as the most vulnerable on Friday.
SES incident controller Sharon Fox is clear: "Anyone that is camped along the south coast in those low-lying areas we definitely urge you to make a smart decision and pack up and move away from those areas." The advice is simple: leave early. This proactive measure not only protects individuals but also eases the strain on emergency services.
Caravan park operators are proactively reaching out to their campers. Big Four Kiama caravan park operator Sharon Nellies confirmed they are taking all precautions, including contacting sites near potential flood zones, advising them to prepare for evacuation or depart early. "Most of our sites are due to leave tomorrow, so we are seeing a lot of sites packing up now to get ahead of it and leave today," she said.
The situation demands immediate attention, especially as conditions are expected to peak in the Illawarra on Friday afternoon. People are strongly advised to monitor road conditions and exercise extreme caution. "We need people to take care on the roads," Ms. Fox stated, warning of potential flash flooding. If you encounter thunderstorms, be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.
The rainfall has been substantial. Merimbula Airport recorded 110 millimeters in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning. Brogo near Bega received 115mm, and Green Cape saw 77mm. Residents in Eden, Kiah, and Nethercote reported approximately 200mm in their rain gauges. The SES responded to 98 calls for assistance in the south-eastern zone within a 24-hour period.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a wet weekend. Winds are expected to average 60-70 kilometers per hour along the coastline, particularly around Jervis Bay, on Friday. SES south east duty incident controller Barry Griffiths urges motorists to plan their journeys carefully. "If you're driving, it is going to be wet today, so make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition," he advised. "Check the weather … and either defer travel or just make sure that when you are travelling, if the rain is too heavy, pull over. If you see any floodwater, don't drive through it."
The heaviest rain is expected to shift up the coast, affecting the Illawarra and Sydney on Saturday and the Hunter region by Sunday.
What are your thoughts? Are you in the affected areas? What precautions are you taking? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. Let's discuss how we can stay safe during this severe weather event.
