Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Sydney area.

Issued at 7:19 pm Thursday, 26 February 2026.

SLOW MOVING INTENSE RAINFALL CONTINUES THROUGH THE SYDNEY METRO AREA

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:15 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Sydney City, Sydney Airport, Sydney Olympic Park, Bankstown, Fairfield and Horsley Park. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect Parramatta, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Ryde, Blacktown, Bondi Beach and Cecil Park by 7:45 pm and Erskine Park, Baulkham Hills, St Marys, Chatswood, Epping and St Leonards by 8:15 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

64.0 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT LIDCOMBE IN THE 1 HOUR TO 7:09 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).