Warm Indian Ocean waters off north-western Australia are already creating conditions that favour cloud and rain patterns likely to create a damper than usual spring in south-eastern parts of the country. A switch to a “La Nina watch” means those wetter than normal conditions will extend into the summer.
“We’re expecting a busy season ahead of us in terms of widespread rainfall and flooding,” Francois Geffroy,a bureau meteorologist assigned to the SES,said. “And then on top of that,there’s the chance of increased tropical cyclone activity if that La Nina comes.”
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The SES has already had to provide flood assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic,including during last March’s broadscale deluges that triggered more than 14,000 calls for aid and 1000-plus rescues.
This time,government-imposed restrictions could complicate procedures. The SES counts 10,200 volunteers statewide with 4500 in metropolitan Sydney of which about 1600 are in the city’s 12 local government areas declared to be COVID-19 hotspots.
Restrictions add to the challenges of moving staff around,as well as how to evacuate people in harm’s way.
“Instead of putting them into big evacuation centres,it’s really important they have a plan of where they can go to that’s safe,” Carlene York,the SES Commissioner,said. “Right now,we’re saying that’s family and friends where possible.