Storms, floods batter NSW, Australia

[tropicana]

WED OCT 20th 2004

Heavy rain and high winds in excess of 90 kilometres per hour caused havoc on the mid-north coast of NSW overnight Tuesday, police said Wednesday.

State Emergency Services (SES) received more than 50 telephone calls from residents in the Coffs Harbour district as adverse weather conditions damaged buildings and vehicles.

Motorists were stranded as storms battered the area, causing flooding and debris from fallen trees and powerlines to block roads, NSW police said.

An SES spokesman said the service was continuing to receive calls as people woke this morning (WED) to the aftermath of the storms.

"Coffs Harbour has been a bit wild and woolly overnight and SES volunteers have responded to some 50 calls for help," he said.

"It appears there has been some pretty strong wind - exceeding 90 kilometres per hour - and there have been a number of trees uprooted and limbs fallen."

The spokesman said the service would send in workers from other areas during the day to help with the clean up.

Coffs Harbour police said it began receiving calls from the Red Rock and Corindi area at about midnight and storm conditions moved south to Coffs Harbour at about 1am (AEST).

The Pacific Highway was cut in several locations throughout the night and was blocked for some time at Moonee and within Coffs Harbour at the Big Banana and the Clog Barn, police said.

SES and Rural Fire Service volunteers and council workers worked to clear the highway of debris and it was believed the highway was now open, although outlying roads were still blocked.

A police spokesperson said Waterfall Way between Bellingen and Dorrigo was still closed due to flooding.

The SES spokesman and police urged drivers to take extra care when driving this (WED) morning and to avoid the roads if possible.

"As heavy rain continues, people should avoid driving through floodwaters and stay away from creeks, drains and culverts," the spokesman said.

"Keep children and pets indoors during this heavy rain. If people need help they should call their local SES."

NSW Police said no injuries had been reported at this stage.

-justin-

[AussieMark]

unfortunately the catchment area in Sydney only received 2 mm.

Sydney dams are at 41 - 44 %.

if we don't get rain soon we will be looking at another summer of water restrictions