Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in South Coast and parts of Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:13 am Wednesday, 29 November 2023.

Heavy to intense rainfall south of Batemans Bay persisting during Wednesday.

Weather Situation: A broad low pressure system over southern inland New South Wales is moving slowly towards the southeast, developing in response to a strong upper level low over the west of the state. A trough is deepening down the southern coastline today, drawing in rich moisture from the Tasman Sea. Persistent heavy rainfall with some embedded heavier showers and thunderstorms for the South Coast, with strong winds affecting the coastal fringe.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is currently occurring across broad areas of the South Coast and the far east of the Snowy Mountains districts, and is expected to persist throughout Wednesday. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 60 to 120 mm are likely, with isolated intense falls of up to 180 mm possible. 24-hourly totals of 150 to 200 mm are likely, with isolated falls in excess of 300 mm possible, particularly for areas south of Moruya.

Transient areas of INTENSE RAINFALL have been observed this morning, and remain possible during Wednesday. A separate severe thunderstorm warning will be issued to highlight these areas when they occur.

DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible along the coastal fringe south of Moruya Heads.

The broad severe weather risk should begin to contract towards the southern half of the South Coast this afternoon, though heavy showers and thunderstorms will remain possible throughout the day. The far south of the South Coast may see continued heavy rain well into Thursday, though there is uncertainty on this due to the movement and positioning of the low and trough.

Several flood watches and warnings are also current for these areas. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Eden, Bega, Moruya Heads, Narooma and Merimbula.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Illawarra district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

Recent 6-hour rainfall totals include:

128 mm at Brogo Dam

120 mm at Point Perpendicular

109 mm at Lochiel

100 mm at Moruya

84 mm at Bega

Montague Island Lighthouse observed a 120 km/h gust at 11:00am

Green Cape observed a wind gust of 100 km/h at 10:57am

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.