Sydney Floods: Further Deluge Expected as Major Dam Overflows

Continuous heavy rains pounded sections of the city for 24 hours, compelling thousands to evacuate from the city's outskirts.

Additionally, the heavy rain led to the early overflow of Sydney's primary water source, the Warragamba Dam, by two days.

Residents downstream of the dam have been alerted to anticipate additional flooding.

The dam started overflowing on Saturday morning, reportedly releasing water downstream at a rate equivalent to 80,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools per hour, as per the Sydney Morning Herald.

Officials projected the dam's water levels to peak by midnight local time (13:00 GMT) on Saturday. However, many residents have been advised of ongoing flood threats, as much of the dam's overflow is yet to reach flood-prone areas of Sydney.

Carlene York, the New South Wales State Emergency Service commissioner, emphasized community outreach efforts to inform and prepare residents for potential inundation.

Meanwhile, rising water levels are anticipated in the Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers over the coming days.

WaterNSW CEO Andrew George noted spillage from other dams, including the Tallowa Dam on the Shaolhaven River and dams in the Blue Mountains. Expectations of spillage from three other metropolitan dams were also mentioned.

The storm resulted in a month's worth of rainfall hitting Sydney on Friday, prompting emergency evacuation advisories for numerous low-lying areas, including Richmond and Windsor.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized ongoing flood risks in western Sydney, despite current weather conditions seeming favorable.

Rescue efforts intensified on Saturday, with over 150 people rescued from floodwaters, according to the New South Wales State Emergency Service. Unfortunately, one man was found deceased in water near a reserve in Penrith, though the cause of death remains unclear.

The severe weather left thousands without power, disrupting train services and closing numerous roads across Sydney. In the Blue Mountains, access to Megalong Valley was severed due to a significant landslide triggered by the inclement weather.

Mayor Mark Greenhill expressed concerns over the isolation of residents in Megalong Valley, suggesting potential food drops might be necessary due to impassable roads.

Furthermore, reports indicate significant property damage in Wollongong city, south of Sydney.

Flood warnings have also been issued in Queensland state, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel.