Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Sydney area.

Issued at 6:57 pm Thursday, 26 February 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL HAS DEVELOPED WITH SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORMS

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:55 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Liverpool and Sydney Olympic Park. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect Parramatta, Ryde and Drummoyne by 7:25 pm and Blacktown, Erskine Park and Baulkham Hills by 7:55 pm.

A broader Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is current for most of the Sydney Metropolitan area and adjacent parts of the Illawarra and Blue Mountains. For more details refer to https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

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).