Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Illawarra Forecast District.

Issued at 6:45 am Saturday, 6 April 2024.
LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL MOVING INTO THE ILLAWARRA DISTRICT, NOW CLEARED SYDNEY.

Weather Situation: A strong and very moist onshore airflow is combining with trough moving southwards through the Illawarra district to produce clusters of heavy showers and a few thunderstorms.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Albion Park, Kiama and Huskisson.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Metropolitan district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Cringila recorded 80 mm in 60 minutes to 6:11am.
Russell Vale Colliery recorded 112 mm in 60 minutes to 6:00am.
Bellambi recorded 88.2 mm in 60 minutes to 6:15am.
High Range (Merrioola) recorded 78.4 mm in 2 hours to 5:40am.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.