Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:54 am Friday, 16 January 2026.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds are possible in the southeast today.

Weather Situation: A coastal trough is developing just off the south coast this morning, and is expected to direct areas of heavy rain and damaging south to southeasterly winds over southeastern parts of the state today.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible over parts of the South Coast this morning, with this risk spreading to parts of the Illawarra from later in the morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, and isolated totals up to 120 mm are possible.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible about parts of the southeast from later this morning.

A separate warning for DAMAGING SURF is current for coastal locations between Eden and Ulladulla.

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Eden, Braidwood and Bega.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Park your car under secure cover and away from trees, powerlines and drains.
* 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.
* 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.
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).