Evacuating Safely During Bomb Cyclone Flash Flooding for NSW Residents

As the bomb cyclone continues to batter New South Wales with record-breaking rain and widespread flash flooding, many residents across Sydney, the South Coast, and regional communities now face a harsh reality: it may be time to evacuate.

This follow-up guide expands on our earlier coverage of the July 2025 weather emergency, offering step-by-step instructions on when to evacuate, what to pack, and how to keep your family safe if you’re forced to leave home.

Image Source: The Age

Emergency Resources & Apps

To stay safe and informed, use the following tools and numbers:

• Download the Hazards Near Me App: 
  • For iPhone 
  • For Android 
• SES Emergency Number: Call 132 500 or call Triple Zero (000) 
• SES Warnings Live Updates: Visit the official page 

Why Early Evacuation Matters During a Bomb Cyclone

The term bomb cyclone refers to an extreme low-pressure system that strengthens rapidly—often within 24 hours—resulting in fierce winds and intense rainfall. While east coast lows are not new to Australia, the speed and severity of this system means that many areas are flooding with little to no warning.

Flash flooding, in particular, is hard to predict. You might not get an alert until floodwaters are already rising around you. That’s why understanding when and how to evacuate early is critical.

How to Know When It’s Time to Evacuate

Evacuating before you’re trapped or cut off is one of the most important decisions you can make in a disaster.

You should evacuate immediately if:

• The SES Warnings or NSW authorities issue a local evacuation order 
• You see water rising near your home, street, or a nearby low bridge
• Access to your property may be cut off soon (e.g., bridges, single access roads)
• Your road in or out of town is at risk of being flooded or closed
• Your household includes someone with a medical condition, disability, or special care needs
• You or your household members have mobility, medical, or other special needs that make staying risky during power or service disruptions

Even without an official evacuation notice, trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe or believe you might become isolated, it’s safer to leave early than to wait and rely on emergency rescue services.

Get Prepared with your Local Council’s Flood Plan

• Get a copy of your local flood plan from your council or the SES. It’ll show you:
  • Where flooding is likely
  • The safest evacuation routes
  • Where local relief centres are set up
• Know your flood type:
  If you’re near a river, you might get early warnings as water rises. But flash flooding—like what we’re seeing with this bomb cyclone—can hit fast, often with no time to react.

How to Prepare to Leave Your Home

Before evacuating, take key steps to protect your property and minimise loss:

• Raise furniture, electronics, and valuables off the floor using beds, tables, or into ceiling cavities
• Sandbag drains and toilets to prevent backflow of sewage
• Empty fridges and freezers, then leave the doors open
• Turn off power, water, and gas at the mains
• Move chemicals, fuel, and garbage to high areas or secure locations
• Lock up and secure windows, sheds, and gates

If you don’t already have a designated evacuation route, check your local council’s flood plan or ask neighbours and the SES for recommendations.

What to Pack in Your Emergency Evacuation Kit

Pack light, but be thorough. Place all essentials in waterproof bags or containers:

• Warm clothing and sturdy footwear
• Medications and prescriptions
• Personal identification and important documents
• Mobile phone and charger or power bank
• Valuables, photos, and sentimental items
• Food and water supplies
• Pet food, bedding, and leashes if evacuating with animals
• A list of emergency contacts written down (in case phones fail)
• Photos, keepsakes, and valuables (if time permits)

If your area is frequently at risk, consider keeping a “grab-and-go” bag pre-packed year-round.

Evacuating with Pets

If you’re evacuating and can bring your pets, do so. Pack food, water, bedding, leashes, carriers, and any medications. Not all evacuation centres accept animals, so check in advance or make arrangements with friends or family.

If you can’t take your pets:

• Move them to a higher, enclosed space with food and water
• Leave a note for rescuers with the pet’s name, your contact details, and last time fed
• Alert the local council or RSPCA that your pet may need assistance

During Evacuation

• Follow official advice and use the safest evacuation route you’ve pre-identified.
• Never drive through floodwater, even if it looks shallow—just 15cm of moving water can sweep away a small vehicle.
• Let friends or family know where you’re going and when you’ve arrived.
• Head to the nearest designated relief or evacuation centre if you don’t have alternative accommodation.

What to Do If You Can’t Evacuate in Time

If conditions change rapidly and you are trapped:

• Move to the highest safe level in your home—ideally with ventilation and no risk of rising water
• Keep your emergency kit, torch, and phone with you 
• Stay away from windows, drains, and electrical outlets
• Signal for help using a towel, sheet, or flashlight
• Conserve your phone battery by limiting calls and app usage

Do not enter roof cavities unless absolutely necessary—they can quickly become air-tight and dangerous in rising water.

After the Flood: Returning Home Safely

Once authorities have declared it safe to return:

• Do not turn on gas or electricity until checked by a licensed technician
• Discard food and medicine that came into contact with floodwater
• Boil tap water until it’s officially declared safe
• Wear gloves and masks when cleaning—floodwater may contain toxic materials or sewage
• Photograph all damage before starting repairs for insurance
• Register with Red Cross Register.Find.Reunite if you were separated from loved ones

When you’re ready to start restoring property from water damage, our specialists at Flood Services will be available 24/7, no matter the hour or day, to help.

Final Thought

With the bomb cyclone still active and severe flash flooding affecting many NSW communities, you don’t need to wait for an order to protect yourself. Knowing when to leave and how to prepare may save your life—and take pressure off already stretched emergency services.

Stay tuned to official channels, check on neighbours and vulnerable community members, and take action early.

If you’re unsure whether to evacuate, ask yourself: “Will I still be safe if I stay here in two hours?” If the answer is no, it’s time to go.