The NSW State Emergency Service is encouraging communities in the Illawarra and other parts of NSW to be prepared for severe weather leading into the weekend with the Bureau of Meteorology advising thunderstorms are likely on Friday and Saturday with the risk of heavy rain, large hail, and flash flooding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The bureau is forecasting heavy rainfall in the South Coast, Illawarra and Canberra regions on Saturday.
NSW SES State Duty Commander Dean Storey said communities need to get ready ahead of the dangerous conditions.
"We have seen parts of the state already get hit with severe storms, including communities out near Tamworth and Armidale," Mr Storey said.
"Now, with the advice from the Bureau of Meteorology indicating this has the potential to occur in northern and southern parts of the state, it is really important communities start checking the weather forecast for what they are likely to expect.
"It is also important that people move their cars from underneath trees and powerlines, clear their front and backyards of loose items, and check their gutters and downpipes for blockages to avoid any flooding.
Mr Storey also stressed the importance of people driving to the conditions of the roads during storms and heavy."
"This includes being mindful of floodwater," he said.
"If you come across floodwater, never drive, walk or ride through it.
"It doesn't matter how experienced a driver someone thinks they are, or if they think their car is capable - do not attempt to cross it," Mr Storey said.
For more information on how to prepare for a storm, heavy rain or a flood, visit ses.nsw.gov.au.
For information on weather warnings and the latest forecasts, visit bom.gov.au.
To check the latest traffic conditions, please visit www.livetraffic.com.
Read more:
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Be the first to get breaking Illawarra news by subscribing to our newsletters below ...
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
