Major Flood Warning

2 March 2022

There is a Major Flood Warning for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Rivers

What you need to do NOW:

The river heights may affect the local bridges later this afternoon. Residents and businesses, in low-lying areas along these river systems and adjoining creeks, should be ready to evacuate, if requested. Ensure you take pets and valuables with you. Please follow the warnings and never enter flood waters as they pose a significant drowning risk.

Horses and livestock should be relocated to higher ground (or open internal gates to allow horses and livestock to get to higher ground).

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.

THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY HAS ISSUED FLOOD WARNING NUMBER 8:

Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River:

Minor flooding is occurring at Penrith and North Richmond. Major flooding is possible along the Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River at Penrith, North Richmond and Windsor. North Richmond

The Hawkesbury River at North Richmond (WPS) is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (7.90 m) late Wednesday afternoon. The river level may exceed the major flood level (10.50 m) Wednesday evening and may reach around 14.00 metres during Thursday, with major flooding. Further rises possible.

Windsor

The Hawkesbury River at Windsor (WPS) is likely to exceed the minor flood level (5.80 m) late Wednesday afternoon. The Hawkesbury River at Windsor (WPS) may exceed the moderate flood level (7.00 m) Wednesday evening and may reach the major flood level (12.20 m) during Thursday. Further rises possible.

Sackville

The Hawkesbury River at Sackville is likely to exceed the minor flood level (4.60 m) Thursday morning. The river level may reach the moderate flood level (7.30 m) during Thursday. Further rises are possible.

Lower Portland

The Hawkesbury River at Lower Portland may exceed the moderate flood level (6.10 m) Thursday morning. Further rises above the major flood level (7.60 m) are possible with forecast rainfall.

Wisemans Ferry

The Hawkesbury River at Wisemans Ferry may reach the moderate flood level (3.50 m) Thursday morning. Further rises possible.

Colo River:

Minor flooding is occurring along the Colo River at Putty Road. Moderate flooding is possible. The Colo River at Putty Road may reach around 3.50 metres Wednesday evening with minor flooding. Further rises above the moderate flood level (5.7m) are possible.

The Lower Portland Ferry, Webb’s Creek Ferry and Sackville Ferry are all currently out of service due to the current weather and river conditions.

Various Hawkesbury City Council facilities (including the Waste Management Facility) and parks are expected to close from this evening safety including until further notice.

Council is closing roads and putting up signage as needed.

Council’s customer service centre is operating on 4560 4444 (after hours service available)

Council is working with the State Emergency Service on a sand bagging operation (image of sandbagging at McQuade Park, Windsor).

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.

Animal Evacuation Centre open

People who cannot relocate their Livestock and domestic to higher ground at a friend’s or neighbour’s or relative’s place, have the alternative for emergency relocation at the Castle Hill Showground which is open as an Animal Evacuation Centre. Greater Sydney Local Land Services is managing the animal evacuation centre. It is best to book your animals in first, especially horses, to ensure there is a space, please call the Local Land service Duty Mobile on 0427 674 731 to make arrangements.

Anyone who is relocating animals to an Animal Evacuation Centre must bring appropriate identification for their animals as well as adequate food and water. They must remain onsite to provide full supervision of their animals at all times.

The NSW SES has also activated a hotline for flood affected landholders and livestock owners affected by the current flood emergency.  If you require assistance with stock or animal welfare issues please contact the Agricultural and Animal Services hotline on 1800 814 647.

The Hawkesbury Showground is *not available* during flood emergencies as an evacuation centre as it becomes flooded in.

Stay informed and monitor conditions:

• Listen to your local ABC radio station
• Follow NSW SES on Facebook or see the website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
• Go to latest Weather and Warnings at www.bom.gov.au/nsw
• For the latest Rainfall and River heights visit
• http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/greatersydney.shtml
• For road closures visit Road Closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or
• Hawkesbury City Council Disaster and Emergency Dashboard https://disaster.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

The lead agency for storms and flooding is the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and Hawkesbury City Council continues to take advice and act in accordance with information provided by the NSW SES.