Council warns wet weather expected for Wollongong
With the forecasted rainfall this week, Council is advising residents to stay safe and follow the NSW SES Facebook page for updates and information. The NSW State Emergency Services website also has important information about what to do before...
Wollongong City Council media release: Friday, 19 March 2021
Wet weather is on the menu this week with Wollongong forecast to receive significant rainfall over the next seven days.
We know that some areas in the Wollongong region are at risk of flooding and we’re reminding residents to make sure they’re prepared for potential heavy rains.
“Our city’s location between the steep mountain escarpment and the sea means that flash flooding can happen whenever significant rainfall causes water to travel down the escarpment towards the ocean,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
“If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure you’re prepared before flood water arrives. The best way to stay up to date with the latest flooding information is to follow NSW SES page on Facebook for information.
“Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater. That includes staying away from stormwater drains, creeks and other waterways.”
With the forecasted rainfall this week, Council is advising residents to stay safe and follow the NSW SES Facebook page for updates and information. The NSW State Emergency Services website also has important information about what to do before, during and after a flood.
“We know flash flooding often occurs in heavy rain and that a flood can peak in less than two hours after it starts raining,” Cr Bradbery said.
“Storms and flooding are often unpredictable and very dangerous as conditions can change without warning. It’s never a good idea to enter floodwater no matter how confident you may feel.”
We know that Wollongong is prone to flooding. That’s why Council has an extensive stormwater and flood risk program which includes ‘debris control structures’ to decrease the risk of stormwater blockage, and the purchase of properties with a very high risk of flooding.
Council also works with the SES and other organisations, providing information on local flood risk. Our crews are on standby to work with the SES and ensure safety in the event of any road closures.
For more information on floods and stormwater please visit Council's website.
