BOM: Minor Flood Likely for the Colo and Hawkesbury Rivers

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued an Initial Minor Flood Warning for the Colo and Hawkesbury Rivers on Saturday (3:21 PM EST), May 11, 2024. 

According to its report on Saturday, up to 65 millimetres of rainfall have been observed in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment since Friday morning (9:00 AM). The forecast indicated further rainfall is expected throughout the catchment for the rest of Saturday and into Sunday.

“With forecast rainfall, minor flooding is possible along the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond, and along the Colo River at Putty Road from overnight Saturday into Sunday,” the weather agency reported. 

The Illawarra and South Coast regions are expected to experience the heaviest falls of up to 200 mm. 

Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River:

Minor flooding may occur along the Hawkesbury River.

With forecast rainfall, the Hawkesbury River at North Richmond (WPS) may exceed the minor flood level (3.80 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday. The river level may reach around 5.00 metres on Sunday morning, with minor flooding.

Colo River:

Minor flooding may occur along the Colo River.

With forecast rainfall, the Colo River at Putty Road may exceed the minor flood level (2.70 m) overnight Saturday into Sunday. The river level may reach around 4.00 metres on Sunday morning, with minor flooding.

Crews from the NSW State Emergency Services (SES) have responded to more than 300 incidents in the past 24 hours due to flash flooding in the Illawarra, South Coast, and Sydney regions. 

NSW SES State Duty Commander Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan reminded people that flash flooding was a real risk in these communities and could occur rapidly and without warning.

“We know there’s already some roads closed throughout the Illawarra and South Coast regions due to flash flooding, and I encourage everyone to heed the advice of emergency services and never take the risk of driving through floodwater,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.

“You don’t know what damage or debris is below the surface.”

The BOM shares some advice during flood situations: 

In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.

• Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
• Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
• Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
• Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.

For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:

• NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
• RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com
• Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/greatersydney.shtml
• Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/
• Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/
• BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW