Penrith residents are being urged to prepare for a deluge of rain over the coming days, with all eyes on a major downpour likely to hit on Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting up to 40mm of rain in Penrith today, 80mm on Friday and a whopping 100mm on Saturday.
Rain is also forecast to continue into next week.
The weather has put huge question marks over Saturday’s Golden Slipper at Rosehill, while the Panthers v Bulldogs match at Bankwest Stadium is likely to prove a big test for ground staff – given the A-League match between Western Sydney and Perth is on Friday night at the same venue.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns has urged locals to be prepared for the downpour.
“With many areas already saturated by a wet storm season, conditions are ripe for possible flash flooding,” Mr Kearns said.
“We are making sure our volunteers are prepared and resourced to spring into action when needed.
“But just as our volunteers are prepared, we need our communities to be prepared as well.
“For weather events like this, that means knowing your flood risks. For instance, knowing the height of which your home, business and even your street could be affected by floodwater.
“It is also important to have an emergency kit ready to go with all your important documents and medications should you need to leave your home.”
Mr Kearns also encouraged people to reconsider the need to travel.
“If you do need to be on the roads over the next few days, please drive to the conditions and check Live Traffic NSW for updates on road closures,” Mr Kearns said.
“And if you come across floodwater while driving, never drive, walk, or ride through it – if the road is flooded, forget it.
“It doesn’t matter how experienced a driver you think you are, or whether you have a big car, floodwater can wash away roads that once lay underneath, and even contain chemicals and debris.”
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.
