Thunderstorms have swept across New South Wales (NSW) prompting hundreds of calls for assistance to the State Emergency Service.
The SES has urged people to get ready for what could potentially be an unusually wet and stormy Christmas.
Around 380 volunteers responded to more than 400 storm and flood related incidents from Tuesday afternoon and into Wednesday, Dec. 20.
About a quarter of the calls came from the northern region, including Port Macquarie, Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast.
A severe thunderstorm warning in place for the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra and Central Tablelands districts was cancelled shortly after midday on Dec. 20.
“Shower activity continues about the ranges around Sydney and in parts of the Hunter but heavy falls have eased,” the Bureau of Meteorology said in a statement.
The biggest rainfalls were recorded in Hampton, which received 58mm in four hours, Oberon with 68mm in six hours, and Medlow Bath, which had 49mm in two hours.
Meanwhile, Tasmania faced a minor flood warning for the St Pauls River after 45 mm of rain fell across the catchment.
And Queensland was still reeling from the impacts of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper where receding floodwaters were leaving a trail of destruction.
Wetter-than-average conditions are expected to continue over the next fortnight in eastern parts of the country, prompting a warning from NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York.
“Severe storms can be dangerous, damage your homes and properties, and cause injury if you are not adequately prepared,” she said.
People can prepare by cleaning gutters, downpipes and drains, as well as securing loose items and trimming trees.
It is also important for homes to have an emergency kit with items such as identification documents, medicines, appropriate clothing, food and water, a first aid kit, torch and a portable radio and batteries.
“If travelling, be aware that flash flooding can occur very quickly and without warning. It is critical you assess the conditions, avoid driving and camping in low-lying areas, and also check live traffic before setting out,” Ms York said.
“Make sure you also have a plan in place in case of an emergency and stay up to date with local forecasts and warnings.”
