What Evacuations Have Been Ordered as a Storm Hits Australia's East Coast?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Evacuations ordered for waterfront areas north of Sydney.
- Storm brings heavy rainfall and strong winds across NSW.
- Power outages affect approximately 21,000 customers.
- Residents advised to stay updated on emergency alerts.
- SES mobilizes over 1,000 volunteers for assistance.
Sydney, July 1 (NationPress) Residents inhabiting waterfront properties north of Sydney have been instructed to evacuate as a severe storm wreaks havoc on Tuesday.
The storm front traversed Australia's eastern coastline early on Tuesday, unleashing intense rainfall and destructive winds that triggered emergency alerts for nearly the entire New South Wales (NSW) coastline, including Sydney.
Authorities later in the day urged those living in waterfront areas along the NSW Central Coast, located 65 km north of Sydney, to evacuate due to the peril presented by fierce waves that could compromise structural integrity.
According to energy provider Ausgrid, as of 5 pm local time on Tuesday, approximately 21,000 customers across Sydney, the Central Coast, and the adjacent Hunter region were experiencing power outages after the storm toppled power lines, as reported by Xinhua.
In a press briefing, NSW Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib indicated that both rain and wind conditions are expected to escalate throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday.
"The situation is likely to deteriorate over the next 24 hours," he stated.
Dib urged residents to stay informed with the latest emergency notifications, avoid unnecessary travel, and refrain from driving through floodwaters.
A revised severe weather alert issued by the Bureau of Meteorology shortly before 5 p.m. indicated that substantial rainfall leading to hazardous flash flooding is anticipated to arise in the Illawarra region, south of Sydney, later on Tuesday night.
The State Emergency Service (SES) in NSW has recommended that residents along an 80-km stretch of coastline between Jervis Bay and Batemans Bay, situated south of Sydney, remain indoors.
NSW SES deputy commissioner Debbie Platz informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio that instances of fallen trees have been reported in both Sydney and the Central Coast.
The SES has mobilized over 1,000 volunteers to support emergency services in responding to calls for help.