NSW weather: Shoalhaven Tallowa dam bursts its banks after heavy rain

Dramatic footage has shown a NSW dam bursting its banks after heavy rainfall drenched the state over the weekend. A video shared on Twitter by journalist Jared Constable showed water spilling over the edge of the dam. Mr Constable said the overflow was causing flooding in Nowra, where roads were inundated today.
Parts of the Shoalhaven area were affected by flooding over the weekend, including Shoalhaven Zoo. The zoo shared photos of their facility, reassuring followers the animals were safe and well looked after. The Shoalhaven River also peaked on Sunday evening, according to the SES, and video showed a shed floating down the river.
Local member for Kiama and Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the dam lost a year’s worth of water in just 24 hours.
“Please don’t drive through flood waters – if it’s flooded – forget it,” he warned.
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The Tallowa dam in Morton National Park in Tallong is the water supply for the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands regions. It’s also a backup water supply for the Sydney and Illawarra regions.
“After the weekends’ heavy rain, we have made the decision to close Nepean and Tallowa Dams to the public,” Water NSW said in a statement, adding both dams were at full capacity. “These closures are to ensure the safety of our employees as well as the general public.”
The SES warned the flooding in Nowra and Terara were similar to flooding that affected the area in 1991.
It said the significant rainfall had caused the Shoalhaven River to rise significantly.
“Rainfall has eased since Sunday afternoon,” the SES advised. “The Shoalhaven River at Hillview peaked at 9.10m Sunday evening. The Kangaroo River at Hampden Bridge recorded a 9.20m peak on Saturday afternoon.
“The main flood peak is now downstream of Terara.”
The SES expects a number of areas to continue to be affected and said residents should be prepared.