Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:23 pm Wednesday, 5 June 2024.

Heavy rainfall developing about parts of the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern and Central Tablelands from early Thursday morning.

Weather Situation: A surface trough extending from the Illawarra region into the Tasman Sea will deepen during Thursday in response to an upper low over New South Wales. A strengthening humid southeasterly flow to the south of this trough will lead to persistent rain about the Illawarra, northern parts of the South Coast and adjacent Southern and Central Tablelands during Thursday and into Friday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Illawarra, South Coast and Southern and Central Tablelands districts from Thursday morning. Heavy falls are more likely in southern parts of the warning area from early morning, before spreading to northern parts of the area in the afternoon and evening.

Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 90 mm are likely with isolated totals of 120 mm possible on the windward ranges. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are likely with isolated totals of 250 mm possible.

Conditions are expected to ease during Friday morning as the trough moves south, however there is some uncertainty in the longer term movement and development of the system.

Various Flood Watch and Warning products are current for this area. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Ulladulla, Taralga and Nerriga.

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.
* 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.