Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Greater Newcastle, Gosford/Wyong, Sydney and Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury areas.

Issued at 6:54 am Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

Slow moving thunderstorms are producing heavy rain along the central NSW coast.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 5:30 am, severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Budgewoi and Erskine Park. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Penrith, Cranebrook and Doyalson by 6:00 am and Blaxland, Glenbrook and Berkshire Park by 6:30 am.

93 MM WAS RECORDED AT MOSMAN IN 60 MIN TO 3:03 am

64 mm was recorded at Pearl Beach Reservoir in 60 min to 2:27 am

51 mm was recorded at Rose Bay in 30 min to 5:31 am

51 mm was recorded at Allambie in 30 min to 3:04 am

44 mm was recorded at Little Bay in 30 min to 5:07 am

42 mm was recorded at Wahroonga in 30 min to 3:13 am

36 mm was recorded at Shanes Park in 30 min to 6:32 am

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).