Warragamba dam set to spill as flood warnings issued

Bottle strikes Djokovic on head

Sydney’s Warragamba Dam is close to full capacity, and could reach full capacity “anytime in the coming hours”, WaterNSW warned this afternoon.

“If you are downstream of the dam, stay away from fast-flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains,” they said.

The warning comes as parts of New South Wales were hit with severe weather warnings while Sydney is covered in a blanket of grey drizzle.

The Minns government are considering a plan to lower the capacity of Warragamba Dam to mitigate flood risks.

Parts of New South Wales have been hit with severe weather warnings while Sydney is covered in a blanket of grey drizzle.

A flood advice alert was issued for Colo and the Hawkesbury Nepean area by NSW SES just before 1pm.

The state’s south, including the Illawarra, the South Coast, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains were issued severe weather warnings, with heavy rain and flash flooding forecast.

Rainfall of up to 70 and 90 mm was expected over six hours this morning, with isolated severe rainfalls of up to 100 to 120 mm possible, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

Nowra, Batemans Bay, Moruya Heads, Ulladulla, Narooma and Araluen all fall within the firing line of the coastal trough.

The state emergency service has warned residents to avoid driving through flood waters.

The Illawarra and Batemans Coasts have also been issued strong wind warnings.

The Macquarie, Hunter, Sydney and Illawarra coasts have also been issued hazardous surf warnings.

“Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating, and swimming in the following area,” BoM said.

NSW Police said people should “consider staying out of the water and avoid walking near surf-exposed areas.”

Meanwhile, Sydney is expecting between 25mm and 45mm of rain today, with a chance of thunderstorms.

Rainfall is expected to ease by Sunday morning.