As a Sydney plumber, I’ve seen just about everything over the years; the best way to deal with heavy rain? Be proactive in protecting your home against flooding. In this article, I’ll give you the rundown on rain bombs – what they are, where they come from, why you should be concerned, and the steps necessary to protect your property from flash flooding.
When heavy winds prevail over bodies of water, they collect moisture, dragging it on its path. As it reaches land, air rises and converts all that moisture into rainfall. Experts expect atmospheric rivers to grow in size and length due to climate change which means they will carry much more water – and to devastating effect. This phenomenon isn’t isolated to Sydney or Australia; it’s also been plaguing California.
Sydney Stunned by Swift Flooding
When Taylor Swift arrived in Sydney in February 2024, the frenzy she stirred up was not just with fans but with the weather, too. The rain bomb hit just an hour before her concert was due to start. Luckily for fans, the show went ahead after a brief delay, but for some Sydney suburbs, the huge storm caused serious damage. Little Bay and Kings Langley saw more than 50mm of rainfall each, Sydney Airport’s runway was on pause, Gordon lost power, and there were major train delays across the system. Suburbs that suffered the most damage included Campbelltown, Liverpool, Sutherland, Fairfield, and Wollongong.
Rain bombs come quickly, suddenly, and aggressively, creating a dangerous risk to people and property.
Protect Your Home From Flooding
With the likelihood of further rain bombs, you must be proactive in your approach to protect your home from flash flooding.
You can minimise the damage of flooding by opting for tiles over carpets and raising electrical sockets. If you’re in or near a flood zone, invest in sandbags, flood boards for windows and doors, and plastic covers to seal.
Drainage is a major contributor to flooding, so get in touch with a Sydney plumber who can ensure your drains and gutters are well-maintained and functioning as expected.
Consider creating a flood plan to help reduce the risk and impact of home flooding and aid in the recovery process. It should include contact numbers for utility providers, the council, and the insurance company. Include instructions for how to shut off your gas and electricity supply, and the necessary steps to evacuate safely.
Preparing a flood kit is also a good idea. Include a torch, batteries, first aid kit, blankets, bottled water, long-life snacks, and any other supplies you may need in the event of a flood.