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NSW Bureau of Meteorology engagement officer Morgan Pumpa said the wild weather was caused by a high-pressure system near New Zealand that was directing winds to the eastern coast of Australia.
“That moist easterly wind is bringing the cloud; it’s also bringing some of that humidity that people might feel on Thursday and it’s also bringing the chance of heavy falls to central parts of the coast, including Sydney,” she said.
Cloudy skies, like those pictured at dawn in Mona Vale on Thursday, are expected to remain for days.Credit:Nick Moir
“It’s really important people keep an eye on the weather warnings to find out about possible heavy falls, as well as keep an eye on the radar during the day, with the chance of showers continuing this week in Sydney and along parts of the coast.”
Up to 25mm of rain is expected to fall next Tuesday.
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The weather bureau has issued a marine wind warning for NSW and various flood warnings for rivers across the state, including Tweed River and Clarence River in northern NSW.
“In life-threatening emergencies, call triple-0 immediately,” the bureau said. “If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
“Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place. Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.”
On Thursday, heavy rain triggered flooding across Sydney, the Illawarra region and the Central Coast.
The rain also flooded Marrickville Golf Course and the site of the future Powerhouse Museum next to the Parramatta River.
In Queensland, a woman was found dead in her submerged vehicle on the Sunshine Coast after becoming trapped in floodwaters. Several people remain missing across Queensland and searches by emergency services are under way in the state’s south-east.
While La Nina peaked in January and begins to weaken, it is expected the weather pattern will continue bringing wet conditions with a return to a possible neutral El Nino–Southern Oscillation status in March.
with Megan Gorrey
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