Ok earlier today I joked a little about the possible repeat of the events of the June long weekend last year, well Cath just sent this through to me from the Bureau of Meteorology;
Top Priority for Immediate Broadcast
NSW SEVERE WEATHER WARNING
Flash Flooding, Locally Damaging Winds, Abnormally High Tides
For people in
Hunter, Metropolitan
Issued at 3:25 pm on Wednesday 4 June 2008
Synoptic Situation: 3:00 pm EST Wednesday
This is an update of the warning issued at 12:15 pm Wednesday.
A low pressure centre is situated just off the coast near Nelson Bay This low is expected to remain just off the Hunter coast overnight. Heavy rainfall is expected in the Hunter and Metropolitan areas tonight and overnight. Winds are also expected to average over 65 km/h along the coast, with peak wind gusts expected to exceed 90 km/h in these coastal areas.
King tides are being experienced along the New South Wales coast during the evenings this week. This means that waves exceeding 3 to 4 metres could lead to water levels above the highest astronomical tide of the year at the tidal peak. These conditions are likely tonight on the Hunter and Metropolitan coasts.
Moderate Flood Warning current for the Hastings River. A Flood Watch has been issued for coastal catchments from the Hunter to the Georges and Cooks rivers.
Emergency services advise do not enter flood water. Stay well clear of creeks, storm drains and causeways. Keep clear of fallen power lines, stay indoors away from windows and keep children indoors.
Emergency services advise you check your property regularly for erosion or inundation by sea water, and if necessary, raise goods and electrical items.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES on telephone number 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 10 pm Wednesday.
This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts; the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.
Seriously I was only joking! C’mon, my car is a whole lot smaller this year than the one I drove last year through the floods to get home, no way would I make it this time around in the pug.
On an actual serious note, I hope this all abates shortly as last year was extremely bad for the Hunter region and people were left homeless, injured and what not from the dramas of natural disaster that occurred this time last year.