Stay off the roads unless it’s necessary – that’s the message from Transport for NSW as the region prepares for its share of wild weather.
As severe weather impacts roads and public transport networks across the state, the advice for drivers and commuters is to take extra care and keep up to date with emergency warnings.
Transport for NSW chief operations officer Howard Collins is warning the extreme conditions will take a toll on the road and transport network.
“The severe weather system that is devastating the Northern Rivers is expected in Sydney from tonight before making its way down to the south coast,” he said.
“Our number one priority is safety.
“Motorists should exercise extreme caution and never drive through floodwaters.”
The warning comes in the wake of what NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is calling “unprecedented floods”, in which eight lives were lost as the waters rose in both Queensland and northern NSW this week.
“We ask our customers to postpone their journey if possible or to allow plenty of additional travel time,” Mr Collins advises.
“We want to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
“Flash flooding and heavy rain are affecting roads, transport infrastructure and waterways across the state.
“There is expected to be several impacts to the transport network, particularly the Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink networks,” he added.
“Customers are advised that rail services may run to an altered frequency or stopping pattern, however a frequent service will be provided.
“Buses will replace trains should services be disrupted by weather conditions.
“Some NSW Trainlink regional coach and train services may not operate as timetabled.”
Boaters are also being reminded to stay off waterways until dangerous conditions and extreme weather subside.
Waterways are saturated and there is a risk of life-threatening flooding and hazardous submerged debris making boating unsafe.
For the latest information:
Road closure information and real-time traffic conditions check livetraffic.com
Transport disruptions, check travel alerts
State Emergency Service updates including evacuation orders go to ses.nsw.gov.au/
Bureau of Meteorology weather updates go to bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings
Report potholes or road damage call 131 701 or if the report relates to a council managed road, contact your local council
For more stories like this:
- More heavy rainfall predicted for Hunter
- Calls for Hunter to help flood-affected regions
- Newcastle braces for extreme weather
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