Severe Weather Forces Campers to Reconsider Travel Plans on NSW South Coast
'The Storms Hit Hard': The NSW south coast is facing a relentless onslaught of severe weather, prompting campers and travelers to reevaluate their plans. With heavy rain and damaging winds expected to persist throughout the weekend, the region is in for a challenging few days.
The Garden of Eden caravan park manager, Bea Bamford, recounted the chaos that unfolded on Thursday night. She had to evacuate campers from low-lying areas, removing caravans and guiding them to safety. The nearby river rose rapidly, causing extensive damage to tents and personal belongings.
'Smart Decisions': Authorities are urging campers to prioritize safety. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has issued a stark warning, emphasizing the risks posed by the severe weather. With six-hourly rainfall totals of 50 to 80 millimeters expected on the south coast, and isolated falls of up to 120 millimeters possible, the SES encourages campers to make smart decisions. Sharon Fox, an incident controller, advised, 'We urge anyone camped along the south coast in low-lying areas to pack up and move away.'
'Take Precautions': Caravan park operators in the Illawarra region have taken proactive measures. Sharon Nellies, an operator at Big Four Kiama caravan park, shared that they are contacting all sites near potential flood areas, urging them to prepare for emergency evacuation or leave early. The park is witnessing a surge in early departures as campers prioritize safety.
'Plan Your Journeys': As the heavy rain shifts up the coast, affecting areas like the Illawarra and Sydney on Saturday, the SES's Barry Griffiths advises motorists to plan their journeys. He emphasizes the importance of checking weather conditions, deferring travel if necessary, and pulling over if rain becomes too heavy. With winds expected to average 60-70 kilometers per hour, drivers should exercise caution.
The Bureau of Meteorology's data reveals the extent of the rainfall, with Merimbula Airport recording 110 millimeters in 24 hours, and multiple locations in Eden, Kiah, and Nethercote reporting over 200 millimeters. The State Emergency Service responded to 98 calls for assistance across the southeastern zone in 24 hours, highlighting the impact of the severe weather.
