Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:21 pm Sunday, 26 July 2020.

COASTAL LOW BRINGS HEAVY RAINFALL, DAMAGING WINDS AND SURF TO CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF COAST

A low pressure system that formed off the southern Queensland coast is deepening and heading south along the New South Wales coast, bringing the potential of heavy rain along the coast and adjacent ranges. Damaging wind gusts and wind-driven large sea waves are expected to develop about southern and central parts of the coast Monday as this low stalls and deepens along the southern coast.

HEAVY RAINFALL, which may lead to localised flash flooding, is possible along central and southern parts of the coast and adjacent ranges tonight and Monday morning.

DAMAGING WINDS, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are likely to develop along the coastal fringe of the South Coast on Monday morning, before extending north towards Illawarra coast during the day, reaching the Sydney coast and possibly up to the Central Coast later in the evening.

VERY HEAVY SURF which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion with wind-driven large sea waves is also possible on Monday, especially in the south-facing surf zones.

A Hazardous Surf Warning for Monday currently extends from the South Coast to Hunter Coast. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/hazardoussurf.shtml

Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

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

70mm in the 2 hours to 4:35 pm Sunday at Williamtown

74mm in the 2 hours to 5:13 pm Sunday at Newcastle TAFE

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.