Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Gosford/Wyong and Sydney areas.

Issued at 5:24 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL WITH THUNDERSTORMS NORTH OF SYDNEY AND SOUTHERN CENTRAL COAST.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:20 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near Mona Vale and Calga. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Terrey Hills, Brooklyn and Spencer by 5:50 pm and Woy Woy by 6:20 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Sutherland, Engadine and waters off the Royal National Park. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Lucas Heights and Menai by 5:50 pm and Waterfall, Kurnell and Padstow by 6:20 pm.

133 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT PEARL BEACH IN THE 2 HOURS TO 3:43 PM.

93.5 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT ETTALONG IN THE 1 HOUR TO 2:22 PM.

58 mm of rainfall was recorded at East Gosford in the 1 hour to 2:55 pm.

56.6 mm of rainfall was recorded at Gosford in the 1 hour to 2:53 pm.

66 mm of rainfall was recorded at Bensville in the 1 hour to 2:49 pm.

57 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kilcare Heights in the 1 hour to 2:39 pm.

65 mm of rainfall was recorded at Woy Woy in the 1 hour to 2:33 pm.

48.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kincumber Mountain in the 30 minutes to 2:30 pm.

71 mm of rainfall was recorded at Koolewong in the 1 hour to 2:26 pm.

62.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Avalon in the 1 hour to 2:13 pm.

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.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).