Torrential Rain Engulfs NSW as Record-Breaking Floods Move Toward Sydney
Right now, New South Wales is in the grip of a severe and rapidly evolving weather emergency. What started as heavy rain in the state’s Mid North Coast has now grown into one of the most significant flood events we’ve seen in decades — and it’s not over yet. Over the past few days, entire communities have been cut off, roads submerged, homes inundated, and lives upended by an extraordinary deluge that’s now tracking south toward Sydney.
This isn’t your usual wet weather. What’s unfolding is a rare and extreme event, driven by a combination of meteorological forces that have aligned to devastating effect. A stationary high-pressure system to the south is feeding a stream of moist air from the Tasman Sea into a coastal trough — what meteorologists call an “atmospheric river.” That system has collided with colder air over inland NSW, generating massive cloud bands and unrelenting rain over already saturated catchments.
Also Read:- Remembering Gerry Connolly: A Tireless Champion for the People
- Klarna’s AI Gamble Backfires as CEO Calls Humans Back After $40B Wipeout
The numbers are staggering. In just a few days, areas like Taree have recorded over 460mm of rain, with Port Macquarie setting a new May record with 354mm in just 24 hours — the highest single-day total there in more than half a century. In Careys Peak, over 530mm has fallen, while Kempsey and the surrounding regions have been hammered with over 260mm. This is not just unusual — it’s unprecedented.
Now, the concern is growing for Sydney and the South Coast. The system is on the move, and by Friday morning, the city could receive as much as 100mm — that’s an entire month’s worth of rain in less than two days. There’s a real risk of flash flooding in low-lying urban areas, and the Warragamba Dam, already at 96% capacity, could spill if conditions worsen.
While the east coast braces for impact, this same weather system is offering some hope to drought-stricken regions further inland. Rain has begun to fall across the Riverina and South West Slopes, with up to 30mm expected in towns that haven’t seen this kind of moisture in over a year. For places like Griffith and Hay, it’s a welcome relief — but it must be followed up by consistent rainfall in the coming weeks to make a real difference.
Still, the immediate crisis is on the coast. More than 48,000 people are currently isolated in the Mid North Coast, and the SES has carried out hundreds of flood rescues, with major emergency warnings still in effect. Tragically, lives have already been lost, and the damage to homes and infrastructure continues to mount.
This isn’t just another storm. This is a sobering reminder of the power of nature, the vulnerability of our communities, and the urgent need for readiness in a changing climate. Whether you're in Sydney, the Central Coast, or further inland — keep an eye on warnings, stay informed, and stay safe. The next 24 to 48 hours are critical.
Read More:
0 Comments