SEVERE thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to deliver flash flooding and damaging winds in the Hunter on Wednesday, the Bureau of Meteorology warns.
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Shortly after 9am the Bureau warned the Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra as well as parts of the mid-north coast would face severe conditions.
Parts of the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie have already experienced heavy showers and thunderstorms this morning.
The conditions forced a power outage in San Remo.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command is again urging motorists to be aware of their surroundings, the weather and road conditions today.
In the Greater Sydney region up to 120mm of rainfall is forecast with the chance of thunderstorms, increasing the danger on roads.
“The conditions we are experiencing today are some of the worst I’ve ever seen, and I am appealing to everyone, motorists and pedestrians alike, to take care and get to their destination safely,” said Assistant Commissioner Corboy.
“Once again we are asking all road users to reconsider the need to be on the roads throughout what will be a severe rain event today.
“Drivers need to consider reducing their speed to make sure they have enough braking distance for themselves and for the vehicle in front, and to drive to the conditions.
“We can’t stress enough that motorists should never attempt to drive through floodwaters or cross flooded causeways
“Today’s weather will be particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders and cyclists and if they are on the road, they should wear bright-coloured clothing, be seen by other vehicles and share roads safely.
“There’s also the real potential for NSW Police, Ambulance, Fire and Rescue, SES, RFS and the VRA to be roadside with their red and blue lights flashing, so if you see emergency services on scene, drop down to 40kph on both sides of the road and pass them safely.”
- Be aware of road conditions in your area and plan your trip accordingly. Check livetraffic.com, bom.gov.au, and ses.nsw.gov.au for the latest information.
- Remember to give way at intersections where lights are out and proceed with extra caution.
- Leave greater braking distances between you and the car in front because it takes longer to stop when it’s wet.
- Drivers and motorcycle riders should use their headlights in heavy rain to be seen by other road users.
- Motorists should never attempt to drive through floodwaters or cross flooded causeways.
- Pedestrians should wear bright or high-vis clothing and use crossings at controlled intersections.
