Staying safe during severe weather

02 March 2022 | Media Release

UPDATE 12.14pm, Thursday 3 March 2022

The Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk is CLOSED between Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach and Marks Park, Tamarama. We will re-open when it's safe.

Waverley Council is urging people to stay away from the affected part of the coastal walk.

2 March 2022

Waverley Council is urging people to stay safe this week with a severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall for most parts of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a marine wind warning for Sydney, Illawarra, Hunter, Batemans and Eden coasts until at least midnight tomorrow (Thursday).

Damaging wind gusts with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h may develop over parts of the coastal fringe in the warning area from today.

Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop today over parts of Sydney, the Hunter and Illawarra, South Coast and parts of Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely.

Waverley Council’s Manager of Lifeguard Services, Matt du Plessis, said surf and swell conditions are hazardous for coastal activities including swimming, surfing and rock fishing.

“I implore people to observe these warning and always follow instructions from our Lifeguards,” Mr du Plessis said.

“As a general precaution, swimming at ocean beaches should be avoided for up to one day after heavy rainfall or for as long as stormwater is present.

“If you witness an in-water emergency, please inform our Council Lifeguards, or if it is after hours, dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for the Police.”

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage's Beachwatch bulletin uses rainfall data to predict the likelihood of bacterial contamination at Sydney's ocean beaches. For alerts, please visit:  https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beachmapp/Beaches/SydneyOceanBeaches

Sydney Water manages sewage overflows in our area and has advised people to take care as pollution is possible at Sydney’s beaches. See alerts for Sydney’s beaches here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beachmapp/Beaches/SydneyOceanBeaches

When sewage contamination may be present, Sydney Water is required to display signage. Residents can contact Sydney Water on 13 20 90 for further information.

For more about wastewater overflows and notification, visit https://www.sydneywater.com.au/water-the-environment/what-you-can-do/avoid-wastewater-overflows.html

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

  • move vehicles under cover or away from trees
  • secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony
  • keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences
  • trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall
  • report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill
  • Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water
  • keep clear of creeks and storm drains
  • if you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue
  • be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks
  • after bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides
  • stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires
  • for emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.

-ENDS-