IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Hawkesbury River rises as record rainfall in New South Wales continues to fall

RICHMOND, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03:  Locals look on as the waters of the Hawkesbury River continue to rise completely covering the Yarramundi Bridge on March 3, 2012 in Richmond, Australia. Over 1000 people have been evacuated as record rainfall continues across at least three quarters of the state of NSW. Sydney and surrounding areas experienced one of the wettest and coolest summers in many years, which looks set to continue into March.  (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***
RICHMOND, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Locals look on as the waters of the Hawkesbury River continue to rise completely covering the Yarramundi Bridge on March 3, 2012 in Richmond, Australia. Over 1000 people have been evacuated as record rainfall continues across at least three quarters of the state of NSW. Sydney and surrounding areas experienced one of the wettest and coolest summers in many years, which looks set to continue into March. (Photo by Marianna Massey/Getty Images) *** BESTPIX ***Marianna Massey / Getty Images

As the Hawkesbury River rises faster and flows quicker every hour through the townships of Windsor and Richmond, north-west of Sydney, amused spectators from outside the region watch warily, and rescue crews come to the aid of distressed cows. Volunteers at evacuation centres are waiting for at least 250 families to come knocking on their doors by nightfall.

-- Reported by the Sydney Morning Herald