Woman killed after tree falls on her car south of Wollongong as winds and rain batter NSW coast, thousands warned to ‘stay indoors’; all you need to know
According to Australian media, emergency services responded to reports that a tree branch had fallen on a vehicle passing through the Macquarie Pass on the Illawarra Highway south-west of Wollongong at around 4pm on Saturday.
It was stated that there were 4 people in the vehicle at the time of the incident. According to 7 News and ABC, the female driver was fatally injured, a male passenger suffered minor injuries, and the two rear passengers were uninjured.
Macquarie Causeway will remain ‘closed’
Following the tragic incident in the area, police warned motorists that the Macquarie Causeway “will remain closed for several hours while emergency services remain at the scene,” 7 News reported.
The crash scene is being monitored by the State Emergency Service (SES) and is now part of a comprehensive alert. It stretches from just north of Batemans Bay on the South Coast of NSW to Morisset on the state’s Central Coast.
Warnings issued for people in North and South Sydney
Residents in southern Sydney have been warned that storms and saturated soil conditions “could cause branches and trees to fall”, according to 7 News. Meanwhile, all residents in and north of Sydney were called to be prepared for “heavy rainfall and sudden flooding”. Rain measuring 91.5 mm was recorded in Ettalong an hour before 9.20pm. “Very dangerous storms are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash floods,” the NSW SES said.
Stricter “Stay Inside” warnings have been issued to residents of Sutherland, Engadine, Lower Mangrove, Hurstville, Menai, Gosford, Wyong, Woy Woy, Brooklyn and Kariong. “Bring children and pets with you and move away from windows or stay indoors,” the SES said.
“If you must travel, consider the implications of road conditions and closures and make alternative arrangements for work, children and travel.”
Volunteers in the field for rescue
7 News stated that approximately 750 SES volunteers were on the field to provide assistance in severe weather conditions. It has been reported that they have already received more than 880 requests for assistance during heavy rain and strong winds.
Volunteers along the South Coast have rescued scores of people trapped in vehicles by flash floods in Picton, Albion Park and Marulan since Friday.
Acting NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Sonya Oyston warned residents and tourists to be careful during dangerous conditions. “We are starting to see many catchments getting wet and we have already seen the effects of flash flooding along the coast and in mountainous areas, so it is important that people take the necessary precautions and not become complacent,” Oyston said.
“As people enjoy holidays in unfamiliar communities, it is important that they consider where their camps might be set up and distance themselves from under trees and alongside waterways, including estuaries and streams.”
