Warragamba Dam Overflows Following Torrential Rain as NSW Faces Widespread Flood Clean-up
Sydney’s Warragamba Dam began spilling on Saturday after a week of heavy rainfall, adding to the challenges already faced by flood-affected communities across the NSW Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.
WaterNSW confirmed the dam reached full capacity over the weekend, with spillover beginning Saturday night. Although rain has started to ease, residents living downstream were urged to remain alert and avoid fast-moving floodwaters. An estimated 20 gigalitres per day is expected to flow out of the dam on Sunday.
The Warragamba catchment received nearly 79mm of rain in the past week. Several smaller dams across Greater Sydney—including Woronora, Nepean, Cataract, Avon, and Tallowa—are also spilling.
Clean-Up Efforts Begin Amid Widespread Flooding
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has launched large-scale clean-up and resupply efforts, with acting assistant commissioner Allison Flaxman confirming that around 10,000 properties have been affected. The SES has carried out over 200 resupply missions in the past 48 hours as about 50,000 people remain cut off due to floodwaters.
Residents are being urged not to return to their homes until official safety assessments are completed to ensure infrastructure is secure.
Destruction Revealed Through Drone Footage
Dramatic drone images show extensive damage across the Mid North Coast, including uprooted trees and waterlogged towns like Coopernook, Cundletown, Ghinni Ghinni, and Jones Island. At least 15 towns remain isolated.
The flooding has also led to livestock deaths, with dead cattle washing up on beaches. Farmers, like Oxley Island’s James Neal, say the devastation is beyond anything they could have prepared for.
Fatalities and Infrastructure Damage
Four people have died in the flood disaster, which has caused widespread destruction and transport chaos. Train services were delayed, and several flights were cancelled on Friday due to worsening conditions in Sydney.
The Mid North Coast and Hunter regions remain among the worst affected, with areas like Taree, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie still under threat. Comboyne recorded a staggering 700mm of rain, while other parts saw 500–600mm throughout the week.
Ongoing Weather Warnings
Meteorologists warn the flooding risk is not over. Although rainfall has decreased, river peaks continue to flow downstream, raising the threat of further flooding in areas like the Macleay, Hastings, and Wollombi river systems. Another weather system is forecast to arrive Monday, bringing strong winds and additional rain.
NSW Premier Visits Hard-Hit Taree
NSW Premier Chris Minns visited Taree, where he praised the community’s resilience and emergency workers’ efforts. He emphasized that government support would be based on a full assessment of the disaster’s impact before any financial aid package is announced.
Power Outages and Repair Challenges
Thousands remain without electricity, especially in flood-hit areas like Taree, Port Macquarie, and Kempsey. Essential Energy has restored power to over 690 homes, but 3,200 are still without service. Communication in some areas remains difficult due to downed infrastructure.
Authorities are warning residents to avoid re-entering properties affected by floodwaters until power is safely disconnected, including solar power systems, which can still generate electricity.
Road Closures and Transport Disruptions
Key roads remain closed across flood-affected regions, including parts of the Pacific Highway, Failford Road, and multiple routes in the Hunter and Mid North Coast. Public transport has also been impacted, with some train lines suspended and limited bus replacements available.
Flood Alerts and Rising Insurance Claims
The SES continues to issue flood alerts, particularly around the Deua, Georges, Hawkesbury, Colo, Nepean, and Shoalhaven rivers. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to stay informed and prepare for potential isolation.
The Insurance Council of Australia has already received more than 1,600 claims related to the floods and expects more as water levels recede and residents return to assess property damage.
Policyholders are encouraged to prioritize safety, document any losses, and contact their insurers as soon as possible.
