ID :
202356
Fri, 08/19/2011 - 14:57
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/202356
The shortlink copeid
NSW braced for wild weather
SYDNEY, Aug 19 AAP - Parts of NSW are preparing for a weekend of wild weather, with authorities warning residents to batten down the hatches and stay safe.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for Sydney and the Hunter Valley on Friday, with predictions of gale force winds exceeding 90km/h, wild seas and dangerous surf.
An area of low pressure lurking off the coast, said to be partly responsible for the poor weather, was expected to move slowly north over the weekend.
More rain and strong winds are forecast for Sydney on Saturday and Sunday, easing slightly into next week.
The State Emergency Service (SES) urged residents to move cars away from trees, secure loose household items and to stay clear of fallen power lines.
An SES spokesman told AAP that it had received 135 calls for help on Friday, the majority of which came after 2pm and from the Sydney metropolitan area.
Among the cases were fallen trees, downed power lines and damage to homes.
Police issued their own warning, urging motorists to take care and for residents to stay clear of fallen power lines.
A truck driver was in a critical condition after a tree fell onto his truck in West Pennant Hills on Friday afternoon, partially closing Pennant Hills Road.
Wild weather also brought down powerlines on Old Northern Road in Castle Hill causing traffic delays.
"Residents are urged to take extreme caution and stay well clear (about eight metres) from fallen power lines if you are clearing trees," a NSW Police statement said.
"Power outages as a result of the fallen trees may continue overnight and tomorrow."
Rock fisherman were told to stay clear of exposed rock platforms and to wear lifejackets.
Surf Life Saving NSW lifesaving manager Dean Storey said: "People need to take extreme care if planning on fishing from rocks, cliffs, headlands, breakwalls and river mouths in the coming few days."
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe weather warning for Sydney and the Hunter Valley on Friday, with predictions of gale force winds exceeding 90km/h, wild seas and dangerous surf.
An area of low pressure lurking off the coast, said to be partly responsible for the poor weather, was expected to move slowly north over the weekend.
More rain and strong winds are forecast for Sydney on Saturday and Sunday, easing slightly into next week.
The State Emergency Service (SES) urged residents to move cars away from trees, secure loose household items and to stay clear of fallen power lines.
An SES spokesman told AAP that it had received 135 calls for help on Friday, the majority of which came after 2pm and from the Sydney metropolitan area.
Among the cases were fallen trees, downed power lines and damage to homes.
Police issued their own warning, urging motorists to take care and for residents to stay clear of fallen power lines.
A truck driver was in a critical condition after a tree fell onto his truck in West Pennant Hills on Friday afternoon, partially closing Pennant Hills Road.
Wild weather also brought down powerlines on Old Northern Road in Castle Hill causing traffic delays.
"Residents are urged to take extreme caution and stay well clear (about eight metres) from fallen power lines if you are clearing trees," a NSW Police statement said.
"Power outages as a result of the fallen trees may continue overnight and tomorrow."
Rock fisherman were told to stay clear of exposed rock platforms and to wear lifejackets.
Surf Life Saving NSW lifesaving manager Dean Storey said: "People need to take extreme care if planning on fishing from rocks, cliffs, headlands, breakwalls and river mouths in the coming few days."
