Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 7:45 pm Thursday, 26 February 2026.

SLOW MOVING INTENSE RAINFALL CONTINUES THROUGH THE SYDNEY METRO AREA

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 7:45 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Parramatta, Sydney City, Sydney Olympic Park, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Fairfield and Horsley Park. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect Blacktown, Frenchs Forest, Gordon, Baulkham Hills, Dee Why and Pennant Hills by 8:15 pm and Erskine Park, Collaroy, Kellyville, Rooty Hill, St Ives and Thornleigh by 8:45 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

95.0 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT LIDCOMBE IN THE 2 HOURS TO 7:32 PM.

55.0 mm was recorded at Guildford in the 2 hours to 7:30 pm.

53.8 mm was recorded at Bankstown Airport in the 2 hours to 7:30 pm.

51.2 mm was recorded at Horsley Park in the 2 hours to 7:30 pm.

49.0 mm was recorded at Liverpool in the 2 hours to 7:30 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).