Heavy Rain and Flooding Strike New South Wales as Emergency Services Respond

In a powerful weather event, New South Wales, along with southeast Queensland and central-north Victoria, has been inundated by heavy rainfall and flooding, with the Northern Rivers area experiencing the most significant impact. Over the last 24 hours, many locations reported accumulations exceeding 100mm, with Grafton Airport recording a staggering 101.4mm, marking it the highest rainfall for April in 26 years. Other regions such as Ivanhoe and Westmere also set monthly records, indicating the severity of this weather event. Meteorologist Felix Levesque had anticipated this wet weekend, citing a developing low-pressure system contributing to widespread rain and thunderstorms. The forecast indicates continued localized heavy rainfall, with estimates suggesting that regions could see between 100mm and 200mm through Monday. This weather has already led NSW State Emergency Services (SES) to manage over 456 incidents, primarily in regions north of Newcastle and extending to Port Macquarie. In urban areas like Sydney, the SES faced 67 calls for assistance, with many linked to flooding and fallen trees disrupting roads. As reported, the swift onset of rain has also resulted in emergencies, including six flood rescues as motorists became trapped in rising waters. Particularly hard-hit were areas like Crawford River in the Hunter region, which received up to 100mm in a matter of hours. The rain's timing coincided with the long weekend, which exacerbated driving conditions as travelers returned home. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of minor flooding in spots like the Cooks River, while strong winds have been recorded, peaking at 98km/h in some locations. Although today's storms may give way to lighter showers over the following days, the persistent dreary weather poses ongoing challenges for local residents and emergency services alike. This incident underscores not only the immediate dangers associated with severe weather but also the importance of preparedness and community response in mitigating risks during such natural events. As authorities continue to monitor conditions, residents are urged to stay informed about local forecasts and any warnings issued. Overall, this situation highlights the broader implications of extreme weather patterns on regional infrastructure as communities brace for future climate-related incidents.