Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, Snowy Mountains, Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands and South West Slopes Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:49 am Saturday, 29 March 2025.

Heavy rainfall and damaging wind gusts associated across eastern parts of NSW.

Weather Situation: An upper trough is moving through eastern parts of New South Wales and is bringing widespread rain to many areas in the northeast today. A low pressure system is forecast to develop and deepen off the Illawarra coast this evening, driving an increase in rainfall for central eastern parts, but will also generate strong winds along the southern and western portions of the low. The low is then forecast to move further offshore later Sunday, with winds easing.

For the NORTHWEST SLOPES AND PLAINS AND UPPER HUNTER:

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast over the southern Northwest Slopes and Plains for this morning and afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 30 to 70 mm are possible, with isolated falls around 85 mm possible.

For the COASTAL DISTRICTS AND ADJACENT COASTAL RANGES:

Strong south to southwesterly winds averaging 60 to 65 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, extending along the Sydney coastal fringe early Sunday morning, and the Central Coast during Sunday plus eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands.

Winds ease along South Coast during Sunday, below warning threshold south of Batemans Bay during Sunday morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING could develop over the South Coast and Illawarra districts during Saturday evening, and possibly extend to eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands district by early Sunday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 40 to 50 mm are possible, with isolated falls around 80 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 80 mm are possible, with isolated falls around 110 mm possible. Heavy rainfall is forecast to ease by late 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.

A COASTAL HAZARDS warning is current for parts of the NSW coast. For details, http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.

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

65.8 mm was recorded at Duri in the 6 hours to 10:30am.

67mm was recorded at Blackville in the 6 hours to 10:25am.

61mm was recorded at Caroona in the 6 hours to 10:15am.

65mm was recorded at Murrurundi in the 6 hours to 10:00am.

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.