ID :
185389
Mon, 05/30/2011 - 17:22
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/185389
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Flash flooding causes chaos around Sydney
(AAP) - Wet and wild weather has caused chaos across Sydney, with city motorists rescued from flash flooding and a driver killed in a major freeway crash.
"At the present time it is very, very dangerous," said a State Emergency Services (SES) spokesman.
He said five people had to be rescued when they became trapped by localised flash flooding in the metropolitan area, with Sydney's inner-southern suburbs the worst affected.
"There was an immense amount of water fall on that particular area when the severe weather cell went through there," the spokesman told Macquarie Radio.
He warned trapped motorists to remain in their cars because they could be "swept down drains".
Cars were stuck on Botany Road near Bourke Street at Zetland, Elizabeth Street near Joynton Avenue at Zetland, O'Riordon Street at Alexandria and Barker Street at Kingsford.
Drivers are being warned to take extreme care and allow extra time for journeys.
"There have been 111 calls for assistance in the last four hours alone," the SES spokesman said.
"If there is a life-threatening situation where you have come into floodwaters, dial triple-zero."
Torrential rain delayed train and bus services and buses replaced ferries between Parramatta and Rydalmere due to flooding at Parramatta Weir, NSW Transport said.
Following drenching overnight rain, Sydney CBD received about 20mm from 9am, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
It has issued a severe weather warning for flash flooding for the Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan and Illawarra Regions.
"The heavy rain is expected to hang around for the next few days, and it is vital that motorists stick to the road rules and drive to the conditions," said Assistant Commissioner John Hartley.
"Speeding or committing other offences behind the wheel on wet roads could end with you or an innocent road user being seriously injured or killed."
One person has died and two others remain trapped in the wreckage of a four-car pile-up on a freeway north of Sydney.
The northbound vehicles were involved in a collision near the Mooney Mooney Bridge on the F3 about 4.40pm (AEST) on Monday.
"At the present time it is very, very dangerous," said a State Emergency Services (SES) spokesman.
He said five people had to be rescued when they became trapped by localised flash flooding in the metropolitan area, with Sydney's inner-southern suburbs the worst affected.
"There was an immense amount of water fall on that particular area when the severe weather cell went through there," the spokesman told Macquarie Radio.
He warned trapped motorists to remain in their cars because they could be "swept down drains".
Cars were stuck on Botany Road near Bourke Street at Zetland, Elizabeth Street near Joynton Avenue at Zetland, O'Riordon Street at Alexandria and Barker Street at Kingsford.
Drivers are being warned to take extreme care and allow extra time for journeys.
"There have been 111 calls for assistance in the last four hours alone," the SES spokesman said.
"If there is a life-threatening situation where you have come into floodwaters, dial triple-zero."
Torrential rain delayed train and bus services and buses replaced ferries between Parramatta and Rydalmere due to flooding at Parramatta Weir, NSW Transport said.
Following drenching overnight rain, Sydney CBD received about 20mm from 9am, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
It has issued a severe weather warning for flash flooding for the Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan and Illawarra Regions.
"The heavy rain is expected to hang around for the next few days, and it is vital that motorists stick to the road rules and drive to the conditions," said Assistant Commissioner John Hartley.
"Speeding or committing other offences behind the wheel on wet roads could end with you or an innocent road user being seriously injured or killed."
One person has died and two others remain trapped in the wreckage of a four-car pile-up on a freeway north of Sydney.
The northbound vehicles were involved in a collision near the Mooney Mooney Bridge on the F3 about 4.40pm (AEST) on Monday.
