Sydney flooding: communities evacuated and residents rescued as torrential rain batters region

NSW State Emergency Service issues emergency alert text messages as severe weather threatens low-lying areas

• Follow the latest news with our live blog
• Get our free news app, morning email briefing and daily news podcast

Thousands of people in low-lying areas around Sydney are being asked to evacuate as residents and holiday-makers face dangers on multiple fronts" in the region's third major flooding event since March.

Emergency services minister Steph Cooke warned affected communities between Newcastle and Batemans Bay needed to be prepared to evacuate at short notice" and should reconsider travel plans as an east coast low set in.