Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:53 am Saturday, 6 April 2024.

Widespread heavy to LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL and damaging wind gusts expected about central parts of the coast and ranges, contracting south during this morning and afternoon.

Weather Situation: A deep trough lies along the New South Wales coast this morning, under the influence of a slow-moving upper-level low over central New South Wales. Areas of heavy rain and gusty showers and a few thunderstorms will become more widespread south of about Sydney, including over the ranges and tablelands. Severe weather has started easing from the north and will continue to do so this morning as the trough moves southeast to the Tasman Sea.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the Illawarra, the Southern Tablelands and South Coast, while easing from the north. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 90 mm are likely, reaching up to 130 mm over the coastal escarpment the Southern Tablelands. 24 hour totals of 70 to 120 mm are also likely, reaching up to 150 mm over the coastal escarpment the Southern Tablelands.

Within the broad heavy rainfall area, locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible south of Nowra this early afternoon, then extending further south later this afternoon with localised six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 150 mm possible, reaching up to 250 mm over the escarpment. Localised 24-hourly rainfall totals between 120 and 200 mm are possible, and may reach up to 300 mm over the Illawarra escarpment. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

DAMAGING EASTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible in the South West Slopes and along the coastal strip south of around Nowra, as well as adjacent elevated areas, particularly above 500 metres.

The widespread severe weather risk is forecast to continue to clear the Illawarra in the afternoon and the South Coast south of Kiama by Saturday afternoon. More isolated severe thunderstorms may redevelop on Saturday afternoon.

A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are current over the area.

A Severe Weather for Damaging Surf is current.

Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/index.shtml for more information on other Watches and Warnings.

Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Batemans Bay, Goulburn,and Cabramurra.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Central Tablelands district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Wollongong (Russell Vale Colliery) recorded 230 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to 6:19 am.
High Range (Merrioola) recorded 190 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to 7:11 am.
Oakdale recorded 175 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to 6:06 am.
Picton (Cedar Creek) recorded 174.5 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to 6:21 am.
Albion Park Post Office recorded 149 mm of rainfall in the 6 hours to 6:43 am.
Lake Illawarra (Cleveland Road) recorded 135 mm of rainfall in the 6 hours to 6:35 am.
Lake Illawarra (Mount Kembla) recorded 134.5 mm of rainfall in the 6 hours to 6:32 am.
Chatswood Bowling club recorded 124 mm in 6 hours to 5:15am.
Cabramurra recorded a wind gust of 94km/h at 2:49am

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* 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.
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.