Source: Bureau of Meteorology
Issued at 11:10 am Monday, 5 February 2024.
HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS OVER THE
NORTHWEST TODAY. HEAVY RAIN EXTENDING TO SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL
RANGES OVERNIGHT.
Weather Situation: Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily is currently
centred over the far southwest of Queensland and is expected to
move southeastwards and gradually weaken to be over central parts
of NSW early Tuesday. The system and its associated severe weather
are expected to clear New South Wales by Tuesday afternoon.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected in the
northwest today, extending to the southern and central ranges
overnight. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are
likely, with 24-hourly totals between 70 and 100 mm likely.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND
LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible west of Parkes
today, particularly on the southern flank of the low. Isolated
six-hourly totals between 80 and 120 mm are possible, with
24-hourly totals up to 150 mm possible. A separate Severe
Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS
with INTENSE RAINFALL are detected.
DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts in excess of 90
km/h are possible in an area extending roughly between Tibooburra,
Bourke and White Cliff, easing during this afternoon.
A Flood Watch is also current for the Far West and South West
catchments. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/ for more
information.
Locations which may be affected include Orange, Canberra,
Goulburn, Tibooburra, Cobar and Bourke.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may
behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris
such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the
ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of
landslides.
* 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.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more
unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour
Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093)
as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape
may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES
Unit on 132 500.
05/Feb/2024 12:19 AM