05-07-2025
Urgent warning to Aussies in New South Wales after 'bomb cyclone'
Aussies on the New South Wales coastline have been urged to avoid swimming in open water due to pollution concerns in the wake of a 'bomb cyclone'.
The clean-up has started by the SES, which responded to more than 4,000 requests for assistance after severe rainfall and wind wreaked havoc this week.
Residents were warned to stay indoors on Tuesday and only travel for essential journeys on Wednesday as a vigorous coastal low-pressure system tracked southwards, with wind gusts reaching up to 125km/h.
But the poor conditions are not over for some after Beachwatch NSW issued more warnings for residents on beaches on Saturday.
'Swim sites across the Sydney, Hunter, Illawarra and Central Coast regions may continue to be impacted by stormwater pollution following extreme weather conditions,' the organisation said on Facebook.
'Always check for signs of pollution such as flowing drains, open lagoons, discoloured water, odours, litter and debris in the water before swimming.'
The locations listed include Bulli, Port Hacking, Botany Bay, Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches.
Locals have been urged to contact lifeguards or their council for beach closures.
The City of Wollongong has urged locals to be careful.
'Thanks to the stormwater runoff potentially impacting water quality, we don't recommend a beach or rockpool swim at this time,' a city spokesman said.
'Our ocean rock pools will be inspected as sea conditions improve for debris, sand and other materials that may have been washed in.'
The council closed The Continental and Port Kembla pools during the rough weather.
The NSW SES has issued evacuation warnings due to coastal erosion for some residents in Wamberal and North Entrance.
Flooding warnings were put in place for some areas including Burrill Lake, Lake Conjola, Sanctuary Point, Sussex Inlet and Shoalhaven.
WaterNSW also
The catchment provides 80 per cent of Sydney's drinking water.
