Reconsider Travel: Severe Weather Hits NSW South Coast Campgrounds
Severe weather conditions are impacting campgrounds along the New South Wales (NSW) south coast, prompting many travelers to alter their plans. The forecast predicts continued heavy rain and strong winds throughout the weekend, raising concerns for campers and local residents.
Current Weather Warnings for NSW South Coast
A severe weather warning is in effect for the south coast, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, and Snowy Mountains. The Bureau of Meteorology predicts 50 to 80 millimeters of rain every six hours on Friday, with isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 120 millimeters.
Impact on Campgrounds
- The town of Eden was severely affected by storms that began on Thursday night.
- At the Garden of Eden caravan park, manager Bea Bamford evacuated campers from low-lying areas to safer cabins.
- The nearby river rose significantly, damaging park infrastructure and leaving many campers in distress.
Statements from Local Officials
Sharon Fox, an incident controller from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES), urged campers in low-lying areas to leave immediately. She emphasized, “The best advice is to pack up and move on.”
Evacuations and Preparations
Caravan parks across the Illawarra are contacting their guests to warn them of severe weather. For instance, Big Four Kiama caravan park has advised campers to prepare for emergencies and potential evacuations.
Precipitation Statistics
The recent rainfall has been significant, with several areas reporting impressive totals:
| Location | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Merimbula Airport | 110 |
| Brogo (near Bega) | 115 |
| Green Cape | 77 |
Additionally, some residents in Eden and nearby areas reported total rain measurements close to 200 millimeters.
Safety Recommendations for Travelers
As conditions are expected to worsen, officials are advising travelers to monitor road conditions closely. Barry Griffiths from SES commented on the importance of having functioning windshield wipers and recommended pulling over during heavy rain.
- Plan your journey carefully.
- If flash flooding occurs, avoid driving through floodwaters.
The heavy rain pattern is projected to move slowly north, with the Illawarra and Sydney expected to bear the brunt on Saturday, followed by the Hunter region on Sunday. Campers and residents are encouraged to prioritize safety as severe weather continues to affect the area.
