Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands and parts of Hunter, Central Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory Forecast Districts.

Issued at 7:32 am Friday, 5 April 2024.

Widespread heavy to locally intense rainfall and damaging wind gusts expected about central parts of the coast and ranges today, moving south on Saturday.

Weather Situation: A trough is forecast to deepen over eastern New South Wales and along central parts of the coast today and Saturday, under the influence of a slow-moving upper-level low over central New South Wales. Areas of heavy rain and gusty showers are developing south of about Newcastle today, including over the ranges and tablelands. Severe weather is expected to gradually shift south overnight, easing later on Saturday as the trough moves east to the Tasman Sea.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the southern parts of the Hunter to the Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra, and Central Tablelands districts today, then shifting south to the remaining districts overnight into Saturday morning while easing from the north. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 to 90 mm are likely, reaching up to 130 mm over the Illawarra escarpment. 24 hour totals of 70-120 mm are also likely, reaching up to 150 mm over the Blue Mountains and Illawarra escarpment.

Within the broad heavy rainfall area, locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible between the Blue Mountains and Narooma from this evening into Saturday morning, with localised six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 150 mm possible, reaching up to 220 mm over the Illawarra escarpment. Localised 24-hourly rainfall totals between 120 and 200 mm are possible, and may reach up to 300 mm over the Illawarra escarpment. A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

DAMAGING EASTERLY WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible from this evening along the coastal strip south of and including the Sydney metro area, as well as adjacent elevated areas, particularly above 500m.

Severe weather is forecast to ease below warning thresholds by Saturday afternoon.

A Flood Watch is current, please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/index.shtml for more information.

A Hazardous Surf Warning is also current.

Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay and Goulburn.

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.