THE POWERFUL low-pressure system that hit the NSW coast this week resulted in flooding and power outages across Port Stephens.
The extreme weather event comes just over a month after Port Stephens was last impacted by severe flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned of large waves on the coastline.
“We saw fairly significant wave action along the southern and central parts of the NSW coast [with] wave heights of five to just over seven metres in some areas, and maximum wave heights in excess of 10 to 12 metres,” Senior Meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said.
“[That] increased the risk of coastal erosion, particularly for the central and southern parts of the NSW Coast.”
Port Stephens Council launched an emergency response, installing sandbags in Shoal Bay.
“Shoal Bay is a high-risk area for erosion, posing a serious threat to safety, beach access, and infrastructure, including Shoal Bay Road,” a Council spokesperson said.
“We’re stabilising the area by installing 450 sandbags along an erosion-formed slope and will continue to monitor the site.”
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz, thanked impacted communities for their quick response.
“We are very grateful that the communities in these areas heeded our warnings.
“That has meant that there has not been as much damage to property and impact to lives as what could have been.”
Intense rainfall caused rivers and creeks to rise rapidly.
As the weather eases, the NSW SES advises people to stay informed about the potential of minor flooding by monitoring warnings on their website and Facebook page.
By Cosette DE LORENZO
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