With South East NSW bracing for the arrival of an East Coast Low tonight, local SES Group Officer John Wall says Kiama LGA residents should start to prepare for heavy rainfall and high winds now, and recognise the risks of trying to negotiate flood waters.

“If flooding does occur, residents should never drive or walk through flood waters, as doing so risk their lives and the lives of our volunteers rescuers,” he says.

“We were involved in a flood rescue last Thursday night at Minnamurra Lane, Jamberoo, where two vehicle occupants are luck to be alive after being rescued by four of our specialist swift water rescue officers.”

It is still too early to predict how the weather may affect our LGA but the BOM has issued a flood watch for minor to moderate flooding and a severe weather warning for our area.

A deepening low pressure system near the Queensland and New South Wales border is moving off the coast. It is then expected to drift southward parallel to the coast on Tuesday and rapidly deepen in response to an amplifying upper trough and low.

And to this outlook, add the highest tide of the year.

Extensive damage was done in Kiama by an East Coast Low in 2016

“At this stage, the system is forecast to approach central and southeastern districts on Tuesday night or during Wednesday, however, uncertainty exists on its exact timing and where the most significant impacts will occur,” says Mr Wall.

Council staff have been clearing drains and roads to remove storm debris and preparing buildings that have been flooded in the past, such as the Jamberoo Preschool adjacent to the Jamberoo School of Arts.

The forecast has already caused the Kiama Farmers Market to cancel its market tomorrow, although two farmers – Camilleri Berries and Schottlanders Wagyu – will be in the Surf Beach car park so pre-orders can be collected.

“In eight years, we’ve only cancelled a handful of times as we’ve had The Pavilion as a backup,” says Market Manager, Tricia Ashelford.

“It isn’t available this time, and we’ve cancelled because it is deemed unsafe to set up. The expected 50 km plus winds are the big issue, more than the rain. Winds and tents are a recipe for disaster.

"Luckily we will be able to hold our Berry Farmers Market, under the cover of the old cowsheds at the showground, on Thursday so people can get their farm fresh produce."

A network of ropes has been laid across the harbour by the Boat Owners Association, to protect the boats from the expected big swell.

While the Market has made an early call, the fate of the Red Hot Summer concert, scheduled for Saturday, will be decided tomorrow.

No evacuation centre has been established for Kiama at this stage.

Keep track of the changing situation through the BOM website.

The SES has set up a self-filling sand bagging facility in Kiama. Residents needing sandbags should call 132500 to log a job, and a local SES member will call and arrange a pick-up time.

Please report any drain blockages to Council by calling our customer service team on 4232 0444 or emailing [email protected]

The NSW SES GUIDE to preparing for Storms can be found here.

The SES also advises households should also revise their emergency plan. If you don’t have an emergency plan, you can create one using this link Home Emergency Plan.