Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 4:42 am Saturday, 29 March 2025.

Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts to develop over the southeast from Saturday evening.

Weather Situation: An upper trough will move through eastern parts of New South Wales today, with a low pressure system forecast to develop and deepen off the southeast coast Saturday evening. This will strengthen southeasterly winds along the coast and also across the Snowy Mountains, and enhance rainfall in coastal areas. The low is then forecast to move further offshore during Sunday evening.

For the SOUTHERN RANGES AND ADJACENT COASTLINE:

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to develop over the South Coast and Illawarra districts during Saturday evening, before extending to eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands district by early Sunday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 90 mm are possible, with isolated falls around 110 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 110 mm are possible, with isolated falls around 140 mm possible. Heavy rainfall is forecast to ease by late Sunday morning.

Strong south to southwesterly winds averaging 60 to 70 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h are possible about the coastal fringe of the South Coast and Illawarra districts between Narooma and Bellambi from late Saturday evening, contracting north out of the South Coast district during Sunday morning.

For the SNOWY MOUNTAINS: Strong southeasterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 100 km/h are possible for parts of the Snowy Mountains during Saturday evening. Damaging winds are forecast to ease over the Snowy Mountains during Sunday morning.

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Moruya Heads and Selwyn.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.