HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW:
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- NSW SES now believe that the chances of Jerrara Dam failing are minimal, after earlier believing it was possible.
- Residents in the projected pathway of possible floodwaters from the Dam were earlier advised to evacuate
- Over 400 school children from Minnamurra Primary School were evacuated.
2.30pm: After believing there was a credible danger of Jerrara Dam failing this morning, subsequent investigation has determined that is now unlikely.
Mid-morning the emergency service personel conducted reconnaissance in a Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter and that the threat was minimal and the threat was downgraded.
Kiama SES unit controller Warren Turner said the decison to issue the evacuation order to houses in the immediate vicinity was a sound one.
‘‘Council gave us an amber alert initially and with discussion with our region they recommended we go to red alert for the five or six houses downstream of Jerrara Dam,’’ he said.
‘‘The region acted on the up-pendulum-side of being cautious." Read more.
1.50pm: BOM WEATHER UPDATE - A small low pressure system has developed off the northern Illawarra coast and is currently deepening. This will bring further rain and some local flash flooding to the Illawarra district, mainly south of Wollongong, as well as the south coast. The system is expected to weaken during Wednesday.
Severe Weather Warnings are also current for this event.
Flood Warnings are current for the Belubula River and the St Georges Basin.
This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.
Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service. Across NSW over 70% of Flood Watches are followed by flooding within the catchment.
11.00am: THE Jerrara Dam is failing and nearby residents are advised to evacuate immediately.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) said those living downstream of the dam on Mt Brandon Road, Jerrara Rd and Jamberoo Rd are the residents most likely to be affected.
The community engagement coordinator for the SES, Andrew McCullough, said Jerrara Dam was currently being decommissioned, so the earth dam was already missing part of its wall and the SES was concerned the rest could wash away. Read more.
10.00am: Concerns about the reliability of Jerrara Dam aren't new. It was built by the NSW government in 1955 to supplement Kiama’s water supply.
In 1975, it was no longer needed as a supply dam and was transferred to the ownership of Kiama Council.
The council resolved to decommission Jerrara Dam in 2013 at an estimated cost of $1.3 million after concerns were raised by a safety committee. Read more.
9.15am: Residents in the area around Jerrara Dam are being asked to evacuate if it is safe to do so.
The dam is currently in the process of being decommissioned and the SES has concerns about the integrity of the dam wall.
Residents of the 12-14 properties affected are asked to leave.
The dam failure evacuation alert has been issued.
Failure of the dam would result in extremely dangerous flooding of the following areas Mt Brandon Road, Jerrara Road and Jamberoo Road.
The SES is directing residents within these areas to evacuate within the next hour if it is safe
"Remaining in flooded areas is dangerous and may place your life at risk. For people who need assistance with evacuation call the SES.
As you evacuate you should;
Take your important documents, mementos and photos.
Take your spare clothing, medicines and personal hygiene supplies.
If you are going to the evacuation centre, take blankets/sleeping bags, pillows and
If possible, check to see if your neighbours need help.
Turn off the electricity and gas.
Never drive ride or walk through floodwater.
Continue to listen to a local radio station for updates.
A female pedestrian is in hospital after being hit by a car crossing Simpson Parade,
About 6.30pm on Monday a 56 year old woman from Albion Park was crossing Simpson Parade, Albion Park when she as hit.
Police responded and provided assistance. A breath test on the driver, a 29 year old Albion Park woman, returned a negative result.
Police have commenced an investigation.
7.30am: STATE Emergency crews have been kept busy overnight and will remain so today as strong winds and heavy-gale force winds wreak havoc in the Illawarra and South Coast.
Illawarra South region controller Greg Murphy said units were attending to close to 100 calls as at 6.30am – eight of which were flood rescues.
At 7.20am the Kiama SES were called attempting to rescue cattle in swamp Rd. Overnight Kiama, along Shellharbour and Coniston SES flood rescue teams carried out a flood rescue also on Swamp Rd in the early hours of this morning. The single male occupant was unharmed.
Mr Murphy told ABC radio other flood rescues occured on the Princes Highway at Dapto this morning and in Nowra,
The SES is urging people not to attempt to drive through flood waters.
The SES has responded to more than 570 calls for help between Sydney and the South Coast overnight.
Periods of heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, are forecast for the illawarra forecast district and northern parts of the south coast forecast district today. Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Kiama, Nowra, Jervis Bay, and Ulladulla.
In the 12 hours to 5am Albion Park received 135mm, Bellambi 173mm, Kiama 109mm and Nowra 151mm.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for the Illawarra and South Coast. A low pressure system is deepening off the NSW coast and will bring further heavy falls to the Illawarra, mainly south of Wollongong, as well as the south coast throughout the day,
The SES will release Flood Bulletins throughout the day.
The SES flood bulletin says any flooding will initially affect low-lying areas and flood-prone local roads.
“The NSW SES advises that people in the Illawarra and South Coast areas should watch the weather and look out for flood waters near their properties.
“Farmers located on the floodplain should be ready to move pumps, other equipment and livestock if floodwaters rise.
“It is essential that people avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, which could be deeper or faster-flowing than they look. Children, in particular, should be kept away from streams and stormwater drains.
Road closures at 7am include: Albion Park - lllawarra Hwy between Croome Lane and Taylor Rd - Road closed in both directions at Albion Park, Kiama Heights -
Princes Hwy at Kiama Bends due to a rock slide, Mount Ousley - Mount Ousley Rd near Emergency Bay due to a fallen tree - Nth Bound, Gerringong – Princes Highway near Mount Pleasant – fallen tree North-bound affected.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep clear of fallen power lines.
- Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
People needing help with storm damage or with flooding can contact the NSW SES on 132 50