Sydney's Parramatta River breaks its banks amid flooding chaos
Saturday's massive deluge has forced the banks of the Parramatta River to break in the Western Sydney area as warnings are issued for major flooding and life-threatening conditions across the state.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a severe weather warning on Saturday morning covering an area from the Mid North Coast to the far South Coast of NSW as well as Canberra.
It warned of intense rainfall, flash flooding, damaging winds with gusts exceeding 90km/h, dangerous surf and coastal erosion.
Before midday several rivers had broken, including the Parramatta River at the Charles St weir and ferry wharf in Parramatta.
Water has completely overrun the public transport service, with witnesses reporting the water level continues to rise "by the minute".
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Images shared online showed water from the river had spewed through streets, completely covering roads and bike paths.
Western Sydney NSW SES urged people not to enter or drive through flooded areas.
Stay away from the water
"If you need to drive, we encourage you to look for safer, alternative routes to your destination. Fifteen centimetres of water is enough to wash away vehicles and driving or entering flood waters can be incredibly dangerous," the service posted to Facebook.
The Parramatta River is the main tributary of the Sydney Harbour.
Parramatta river weir just outside the river cat terminal, getting higher by the minute. #NSWFloods #ParramattaRiver #NSWstorm pic.twitter.com/5x3c5JBiBM
— Paul Hart (@pauLFChart) March 19, 2021
The BoM said flooding was also possible along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo rivers at North Richmond, Windsor and Sackville.
Moderate flooding is likely at Menangle, Wallacia, Penrith, Portland and Wisemans Ferry, it said.
This deluge may rival the one that battered Sydney in February 2020, dumping the heaviest rain the city had seen in 30 years, the bureau says.
Significant flash flooding and a spill from Warragamba Dam is likely.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre has been activated, allowing members of the public to contact 1800 227 228 for information about the severe weather and flooding at any time of day.
With AAP
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