Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:00 pm Thursday, 7 April 2022.

Areas of heavy rainfall over southern and central New South Wales.

Weather Situation: A strong upper level trough and embedded low is amplifying over central NSW. A coastal trough has deepened near the central coast in response to this upper weather system and is likely to drift a little inland this evening, producing areas of heavy rainfall on its eastern flank. This coastal trough is forecast to weaken overnight.

Areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING are occurring about the South Coast, Illawarra, Metropolitan, southern Hunter, Southern Tablelands and Central Tablelands. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 120 mm are likely, reaching up to 180 mm over coastal areas.

Conditions are expected to contract to the Metropolitan, Central Tablelands and southern Hunter Districts this evening then ease overnight.

Intense rainfall rates are no longer expected around the Illawarra coastal areas.

Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

Several flood warnings and a flood watch are current for parts of southern and central New South Wales. For more details, please visit www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings.

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

Woy Woy recorded 73mm in 3 hours to 4:30 pm.

Ettalong Public School recorded 71.5mm in 3 hours to 4:30 pm.

Other rainfall observations since 9am this morning

Swansea no.8 - 129.5mm

Mount Pleasant - 125.5mm

Belmont - 121mm

Bensville - 100mm

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.