Winds Topple Tree onto Car, Killing Woman on NSW Coast
A tragic incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when a woman was fatally struck by a falling tree branch on Macquarie Pass, located south of Wollongong. This incident coincided with severe weather conditions, including damaging winds and heavy rainfall, impacting New South Wales.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services responded to the scene on the Illawarra Highway near Clover Hill Road shortly before 4 PM. A tree branch fell onto the roadway, hitting a passing vehicle. While a male passenger in the front seat sustained minor injuries, the other two rear-seat passengers were unharmed. Macquarie Pass is expected to remain closed for investigations related to the accident.
Severe Weather Conditions Across NSW
- More than 700 emergency volunteers are active statewide, responding to numerous emergency calls.
- Flash flooding has notably affected locations such as Mona Vale and Palm Beach.
- Over the past 24 hours, four rescues were conducted due to individuals trapped in vehicles by floodwaters.
Rainfall and Predictive Weather Patterns
In regions like the Central Coast and Mid North Coast, thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail are expected. Rainfall totals could reach up to 120 millimeters in the next 24 hours. Notably, Moruya on the far south coast received almost 200 millimeters of rain in just 48 hours, prompting emergency services to handle numerous incidents.
Impact on Community Services
NSW State Emergency Service Superintendent Matt Kirby reported nearly 900 incidents requiring attention. Much of the response involves clearing fallen trees and repairing damages caused by the storm. The adverse weather conditions are predicted to persist at least until Sunday.
Warnings and Beach Closures
Authorities have issued warnings urging residents not to drive through floodwaters and to be cautious about parking due to the potential for falling trees. In light of the dangerous weather, several Sydney beaches, including Coogee, Bronte, Tamarama, and Maroubra, were closed. Bondi Beach remained open but faced hazardous conditions.
Steven Pearce, chief executive of NSW Surf Life Saving, highlighted the risks of swimming under these circumstances. He stressed the importance of adhering to safety protocols, particularly at unpatrolled beaches.
Conclusion
As New South Wales grapples with severe weather, the focus remains on safety and community assistance. The tragic loss of life on Macquarie Pass serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability during such conditions.
