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The NSW Rural Fire Service helicopter has captured dramatic images of northwestern Sydney that appears to be like an inland sea.
The images, covering the general neighborhood of Windsor and Richmond, show entire blocks and paddocks underwater as the Hawkesbury River overflows due to extreme rains.
In one shot, a full excavator is underwater, its orange light still flashing as water rushes over the cab.
NSW RFS
The New South Wales State Emergency Service has confirmed the major flooding of the Hawkesbury River.
The Windsor Bridge, which was built last year, was underwater last night after being closed to traffic for hours.
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The New South Wales State Emergency Service has confirmed that the major floods of the Hawkesbury River, particularly in the nearby suburb of North Richmond, are likely to be higher than the historic floods of 1961.
“The Hawkesbury River in North Richmond (WPS) is currently at 13.16 meters and falls with great flooding. It is possible that there will be further increases with the predicted rainfall, ”warned the Bureau of Meteorology.
“The Hawkesbury River in Windsor (WPS) can peak near 13.00 meters Monday night with major flooding. This level is similar to the floods of April 1988 and July 1990 ”.
A severe weather advisory remains for much of the New South Wales coastline, with damaging winds, heavy rain, abnormally high tides and a damaging surge forecast.
“A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea continues to bring widespread and persistent rains off the coast of New South Wales. This is expected to continue today, particularly on the north coast and northern rivers, ”advises the Office.
NSW RFS
Firefighters record vision of New South Wales ‘inland sea’
Meanwhile, a low-pressure trough in the west of the state is deepening, bringing areas of rain to the interior of the north today. In this area, it is possible that there will be heavy rains from the morning, being more likely in the afternoon and night, extending to areas of the southeast during Tuesday.
“On Tuesday, when the trough reaches the Tasman Sea, a low pressure system can form, causing increased rainfall, strong winds, damaging waves and abnormally high tides to the east and south.”
The entire state is unlikely to see relief from the humid weather through Wednesday night.
This story was originally published on Nine news and republished with permission.
