Know the warnings

It is important to know what each flood term and warning means, how they are related and what you need to do in each situation according to the risk of flooding and your flood plan. 

The NSW SES follows the Australian Warning System (AWS) to issue one of three warnings – advice, watch and act, or emergency – based on expected consequences and the actions the community should take.  

The level of threat posed to the community determines the level of warning.

Advice (Yellow) 

An incident has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes. 

Watch and Act (Orange) 

There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family. 

Emergency Warning (Red) 

This is the highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.