With the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warning that an intense low pressure system is likely to strike the East Coast early next week, members of the Forster Pacific Palms SES unit have been put on alert.
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Fresh from a State-wide SES meeting this morning, July 10, unit commander Greg Dodd said it was not yet clear where the system would hit, but his unit had been instructed to be prepared for heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas from Monday onwards.
Early forecasts from the BOM indicated the worst of the weather could strike anywhere from the NSW South Coast to the Mid North Coast, but the latest update suggested the South Coast and Illawarra were likely to cop the brunt of the system on Monday morning.
If you don't need to go out, don't go out.
- Greg Dodd
Mr Dodd said the 30 members of his unit were on standby and would have sandbags at the ready should flash flooding occur.
Having recently received a new storm truck, a new 4WD and a new boat, Mr Dodd said his unit was better equipped than ever to deal with whatever the weather threw at them.
"We've got two storm trucks now so that means we can have two trucks out responding," he said.
"We can cover more jobs with more people."
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In regards to the current system bearing down on the region, Mr Dodd said people should be prepared.
"I'd be looking to make sure everything in the backyard is tied down, especially trampolines," he said.
"And if you don't need to go out, don't go out."
The NSW SES is also encouraging residents to clean their roofs, gutters and downpipes, trim tree branches close to their properties and secure outdoor items and furniture.
NSW SES Northern Zone deputy commander, Tony Day, said the weather system was likely to be unpredictable and warned people "to avoid all non-essential travel and to never drive, ride or walk through floodwaters."
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According to the BOM, the wild weather will be caused by a cold front and low pressure trough moving up the NSW coast over the weekend, before a low pressure system deepens off the coast at the start of next week.
The low is expected to linger off the coast through the first half of the week, with potential for heavy rain, strong winds and large waves along parts of the coast.
According to the BOM, East Coast lows can intensify rapidly over a 12-24 hour period, making them one of the most dangerous weather systems to affect the coast.
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