Bathurst 1000: Race goers attend event following heavy rainfall across NSW
>
Heavy rain in NSW has failed the eager racers to attend the Bathurst 1000 as a 400km rain bomb hits the east coast.
Those who decided to brave the wet, muddy and potentially dangerous conditions awaited a wild day of racing ahead of Sunday’s big race – where drivers compete at the famed Mount Panorama Circuit.
People were decked out in rain gear, including ponchos and rubber boots, as they set out to camp on Saturday.
Spirits weren’t quite as high elsewhere with flooding ravaging other parts of NSW and Victoria, prompting organizers to cancel The Grapevine Gathering wine and music festival.
Heavy rain in NSW has changed the minds of eager racers from attending the Bathurst 1000 after a 400km rain bomb hits the east coast (pictured, driver Shane van Gisbergen in Friday’s practice)
Race-goers were seen decked out in umbrellas and rubber boots as they arrived at the track
Many in attendance even wore ponchos as they braved the harsh conditions
People even came dressed in overcoats to stay dry in the wet and muddy conditions
Up to 100mm could fall on the tens of thousands of fans expected to attend the Bathurst 1000, potentially leading to flooding along the Macquarie River in Bathurst.
Free sandbags are available in town, while volunteers check in with residents and tourists camping by the river.
Meanwhile, a Victorian wine and music festival has been washed away as parts of the state remain on alert for major flooding.
The Grapevine Gathering, scheduled for Saturday in northeastern Melbourne, was canceled at the last minute due to heavy rainfall from Friday evening.
The Coldstream festival site was relatively clear, but minor flooding made the entrances and exits inaccessible, organizers said Saturday morning.
The cancellation was a “devastating blow” to not only festival-goers, but also vendors and the wider Yarra Ranges region, organizers said.
“This is not the kind of pour we had in mind,” they said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
“We are deeply sorry that this news comes at the last hour. We kindly ask you to be patient with us as we go through (the) next steps.’
All forms of rain gear were used to keep warm and not get wet
Race goer Ivan Crestani seals a leak in his caravan at the muddy campsite
A racer captured how he coped with the muddy conditions at the campsite
Attendees are seen watching in the wet conditions at Mount Panorama
In Sydney and inland New South Wales, soggy dams and watersheds are being put to the test by the weekend’s intense downpours, after Sydney surpassed its wettest year on record this week.
Much of Victoria and Queensland will also be in the firing line, with state emergency services warning against unnecessary travel.
It comes after heavy rains closed down roads in Melbourne on Friday, with the SES receiving more than 300 calls for help in Victoria.
Race-goers did what they could to stay dry – including this crazy shape of headwear
Those passionate fans who made the bold decision to attend were seen with smiles on their faces
Strong winds and rain will continue to plague Australia’s east coast, weather experts have warned (above: Total rainfall for the two days of the weekend)
Relentless rainfall in eastern Australia will continue even after Sydney (pictured) surpasses wettest year on record
Six-per-hour rainfall totals of 30-50 millimeters were forecast in the Central Tablelands, the Hunter region and metropolitan Sydney, with isolated areas expected to receive up to 70mm.
After a soggy week in NSW, heavy falls on already saturated soils would increase the risk of landslides and debris falling over roads, Ms Kirkup said.
While the worst weather is forecast for Sydney, the Hunter region and the Central Tablelands, other areas can also expect rain.
The system is expected to blanket the state, with widespread showers predicted from the mid-north coast to the southern end of the state.
Harmful winds are forecast along the Sydney and Illawarra coast from Saturday to Sunday morning, with winds reaching 60-70 km/h and peak gusts over 90 km/h.
Much of Victoria and Queensland will also be in the firing line, with state emergency services warning against unnecessary travel (pictured, flooded roads in Melbourne on Friday)
Wild weather comes after heavy rain in Melbourne on Friday, with the SES receiving more than 300 calls for help in Victoria
As rain continues to permeate much of NSW, flooding spikes along the already swollen rivers, the agency has warned of a widespread risk of significant river flooding for multiple inland watersheds.
Major flooding occurs along the Macquarie, Darling, Culgoa and Lachlan rivers.
Re-flooding poses a risk in inland and coastal watersheds, including the Gwydir, Namoi, Macquarie and Belubula Rivers, Mandagery Creek, the Lachlan and Bogan Rivers, Colo River, Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter.
State Emergency Operations Controller Peter Cotter asked the community to work with the emergency services and follow any directions they were given.
A terrifying weather map has revealed the 400km stretch of Australia’s coast will be hammered by a mega storm that will cause more flooding for NSW locals
“Those in flood-prone areas are urged to avoid essential travel and drive according to road conditions,” he said.
“Please stick to the road closures and remember, if it’s under water, forget it.”
Victoria SES asked Victorians to prepare for the effects of flooding.
‘If you are well prepared, you can reduce the consequences of flooding by up to 80%.’
VICSES volunteers are also asking Victorians to avoid flooded roads and not to drive during heavy rain. Flood rescues endanger our volunteers, let alone the dangers to those in the vehicle.”
The Bureau of Meteorology in Queensland said the weather system poses “primary hazards from damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall that can lead to flash flooding.” Storms possible in western QLD and southern interior.’