A severe weather event impacting the Central Coast has caused heavy rainfall, localised flooding and dangerous ocean conditions, including minor to moderate flooding in Lower Hawkesbury River area and minor flooding expected at Tuggerah Lakes.

Council is working alongside the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES), and is closely monitoring local roads, waterways, beaches, and water and sewer systems with crews on the ground across the Coast. As at 12pm on Monday 4 July 2022, significant coastal erosion has not been recorded.

For evacuated community members who require temporary shelter, an evacuation centre has been established at Gosford RSL, 26 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford NSW 2250.

Community members are urged to exercise extra caution and care on roads and reminded to never enter or drive through flood waters. 

Council is encouraging the community to monitor emergency updates to stay safe and informed. 

Moderate to major flood warning for Hawkesbury River

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is predicting moderate to major flooding along the Hawkesbury River and the NSW SES has issued a flood evacuation order (advice to leave immediately) for people in low-lying areas around this region. 

Residents at low-lying areas of the following locations should relocate to higher ground due to possible inundation and to avoid isolation: Wisemans Ferry, Gunderman, Spencer, Lower Mangrove, Glenworth Valley, Wendoree Park, Marlow, Bar Point.

NSW SES has advised numerous roads in the area will close and later evacuation may not be possible. Low lying properties will experience impacts due to flash flooding and/or riverine flooding.  

Council is asking the community to avoid these areas as flash flooding is occurring and debris present over roads. Please follow all signage and never drive through flood waters. 

Storm and flood impacts may interrupt essential services such as electricity, phones, internet, water and sewerage. 

People in these areas need to closely monitor weather and road closures (on Council’s website or via www.livetraffic.com.au) and make informed decisions early based on individual circumstances. 

What to do in an evacuation order:

• If you are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so immediately
• If asked to evacuate, please seek shelter with family and friends in the first instance or make other accommodation arrangements
• For evacuated community members who require temporary shelter, an evacuation centre has been established at Gosford RSL, 26 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford NSW 2250.

When an Evacuation Order is issued and you leave your house:

• Turn off the electricity and gas at the mains before you leave and turn off and secure any gas bottles
• Take your pets with you, plus drinking water and some food
• Never enter or travel through floodwater
• Keep listening to your local ABC radio station for information, updates and advice
• Follow your Home or Business FloodSafe Plan
• Follow all instructions given to you by emergency services

For emergency help in floods and storms, call NSW SES on 132 500. If life-threatening, call 000 (Triple Zero).

Minor flooding is expected at Tuggerah Lakes

The NSW SES has advised that minor flooding is expected at Long Jetty by Monday afternoon (4 July), with Tuggerah Lake at Long Jetty likely to exceed the minor flood level of 0.9m on Monday afternoon. Water levels may reach near 1.1m around Tuesday morning, with minor flooding. 

There is currently water over the road at Geoffrey Road and Vesta Close at Chittaway Point, and inundation of properties in Lake Edge, Berkeley Vale is possible. 

As the lower Wyong River rises to levels exceeding 1.0m, we can expect to see some inundation of South Tacoma Road. South Tacoma residents should expect that road access may not be available from later this evening, Monday 4 July 2022 and are advised to prepare accordingly. For information on how to prepare for weather events, go to the NSW SES website.

Residents in other low-lying areas around Tuggerah Lakes should prepare their properties for possible inundation.

Stay safe, informed and vigilant

Council is encouraging the community to stay informed of the evolving situation, look out for neighbours and remain vigilant. 

• Listen to your local ABC radio station 
• For emergency status, alerts and warnings refer to the NSW SES website or NSW SES Facebook page
• Keep an eye on Emergency updates and more advice on how to prepare for storms on Council’s Disaster Dashboard 
• Keep up to date with weather warnings and conditions on the Bureau of Meteorology website 
• Avoid unnecessary travel and check road closures when travel is essential via www.livetraffic.com.au or on Council’s website

For emergency help in floods and storms, call NSW SES on 132 500. If life-threatening, call 000 (Triple Zero)

ENDS