Update: Preparing for forecast poor weather

Thankfully, the rainfall was less than expected and has not resulted in any significant flooding on the Northern Beaches. 

While a pilot channel was prepared, tide and wave conditions are not ideal for an opening of Narrabeen Lagoon. There is no current risk of flooding however we will keep a close eye on it and will take action if conditions change.

Watch the video explainer to understand how Council manages the lagoon.

With the low-pressure system comes high tides and large waves, so we are also watching the coastal hot spots for any erosion. Swimmers and surfers should be aware of dangerous conditions and are encouraged to stay out of the water until the ocean conditions settle.  

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Tuesday 24 August

While the worst of predicted rainfall is forecast to have passed, Council continues to closely monitor water levels, tides, and stormwater assets across the area and is ready to respond if required.

The BOM is still predicting swell up to 7m overnight and rain continuing to fall throughout the rest of the week.

The conditions are not ideal for a lagoon opening at Narrabeen. The lagoon water level is below the level where an entrance opening is likely to succeed, and the ocean tides would likely close the lagoon again overnight.

Crews remain on standby in the event conditions change and additional action that is required.

To understand how Council manages the lagoon please watch the video explainer.

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Monday 23 August

With significant rainfall forecast over the next two days and large swells predicted from Tuesday through to Friday, Council has mobilised crews and machinery to reduce the risk of flooding.

We have prepared a channel at the Narrabeen Lagoon entrance to enable crews to open the lagoon if it reaches the level where the entrance is most likely to remain open. To understand how Council manages the lagoon please watch the video explainer.

We have also prepared an entrance channel at Manly Lagoon. Normal rainfall can escape via the low flow pipes, however if the rainfall is more intense and the levels rise to the required level, Council will mechanically open the Lagoon entrance at Queenscliff beach.

Dee Why and Curl Curl lagoon entrances have also been inspected and pilot channels have been prepared in anticipation of both lagoons reaching breakout trigger levels in the coming days.

Council is inspecting and clearing known stormwater blockage hotspots and monitoring known coastal erosion risk areas. 

We are also paying particular attention to our stormwater assets such as Ramsey Street and other outlets to the ocean at Ivan Hoe Park and North Harbour Reserve gross pollutant trap.

Council will continue to monitor forecasts, water levels and stormwater assets closely and have crews on standby to take any additional required action.