As rain is expected to lash NSW coastal areas over the coming days, the Peninsula is gearing up for the deluge, with locals asked to be prepared for the worst and secure their households.
Members from Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club responded to the call for help with the flood crisis, working alongside surf lifesavers from other branches to help emergency services.
The members also helped prepare their clubhouse on Tuesday for what might come.
helped out emergency services
The Boathouse Ferry at Patonga was cancelled on Wednesday, March 2, due to the weather conditions, with the vessel reported to be rocking dangerously whilst moored.
Some low-lying streets in Umina started to flood on Wednesday morning and large potholes began to appear across the Peninsula.
On Wednesday afternoon, social media users reported areas of flooding on Woy Woy Rd, with traffic having to drive in the opposite lane to get through.
Residents said they were unsure about the depth of the water but that it was “deep enough that you should avoid driving if you can”.
The NSW SES issued a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds across the Central Coast on Wednesday, with the weather system expected to cause riverine flooding in some parts.
NSW SES said a “deepening East Coast Low off the Central Coast is expected to drift southwest ward towards the coast overnight rapidly deepening in response to an amplifying upper trough and low and will continue on this track through Wednesday”.
“At this stage, the system is forecast to approach central and southeastern districts during Wednesday and overnight into Thursday; however, uncertainty exists on its exact timing and where the most significant impacts will occur,” the SES spokesperson said.
“Catchments remain wet, with many NSW dams near capacity.”
The SES advises that people should move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure or put away loose items around the house, yard and balcony, keep clear of creeks and storm drains and refrain from driving, walking or riding through floodwaters.
The SES said to also keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences, and be aware of trees that have been damaged by fire which are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue and be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
Locals can 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.
Maisy Rae