Heavy rain continues to fall across Penrith and up to 300mm could fall today, with locals urged to be on alert for localised flooding.
Around 75mm of rain has fallen since 9am yesterday, less than initially forecast. However, today is now expected to be the main day for rain activity.
Many local roads are experiencing flooding issues, with drivers urged to slow down and drive carefully.
The Shanes Park Causeway remains closed.
The rain has caused havoc for sporting events, with yesterday’s A-League Sydney Derby between Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers postponed.
The Penrith Valley Regonal Sports Centre also cancelled basketball games yesterday afternoon and last night.
The bull riding event at Penrith Paceway had already been postponed given the severe weather forecast.
The #SydneyDerby that was scheduled to be played at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium today has been postponed due to torrential rain in the Sydney basin over the past 48 hours: https://t.co/oeeBzZ87Lj #WSW pic.twitter.com/rAjsUx9he5
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) February 7, 2020
Day two of Penrith’s NSW Premier Cricket first grade match against Bankstown was abandoned, with the match declared a draw. Other grades were also dealt a similar fate.
The weather is also causing transport issues on the rail network, with urgent infrastructure repairs at Central forcing Western Line services from Emu Plains and Penrith to now terminate at Strathfield. Western Line services to Penrith are commencing from Redfern.
Rain will somewhat ease tomorrow but the Bureau is still predicting between 25mm and 50mm to fall across the day in Penrith.
Another 50mm could fall across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The NSW SES is holding a media conference at 11am to provide an update on the number of people who have requested help since the rain began.
The East and West Coasts are being lashed with wild weather, with rain bucketing down across NSW. #9News pic.twitter.com/cwKbCbJycX
— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) February 8, 2020
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
