A low well offshore from the Mid North Coast will deepen in response to an upper trough and low, and move southwestwards towards the central New South Wales coast. At this stage, the system is forecast to approach central and southeastern districts during Wednesday and overnight into Thursday, however, some uncertainty exists on its exact timing and where the most significant impacts will occur.
HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop over parts of the Hunter and Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast and parts of Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts during Wednesday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely.
Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to dangerous and LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 200 mm possible.
DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h may develop over parts of the coastal fringe in the warning area and are also possible with showers or thunderstorms. Additionally, DAMAGING WIND GUSTS may occur over parts of the western slopes in the south.
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.
Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.
A separate Severe Weather Warning is current for Damaging Surf south of Forster and Abnormally High Tides along the NSW coastline.
A Flood Watch and multiple Flood Warnings are current for parts of New South Wales. For more details, please visit www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings.
Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Sydney, Penrith, Parramatta, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Campbelltown, Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Bega and Moruya Heads.
76.5mm of rainfall recorded in the 3s to 10am at Kulnura.
66mm of rainfall recorded in the 2hrs to 9am at Whiteman Ridge.
93km/h wind gust observed at Cabramurra at 9:45am.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
* 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.
