Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Gosford/Wyong and parts of Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury, Maitland/Cessnock, Greater Newcastle, Sydney and Wollondilly/Wingecarribee areas.

Issued at 9:30 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL ABOUT NORTHERN SYDNEY SUBURBS AND CENTRAL COAST.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 9:05 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near Mona Vale and Wyong. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northwest. They are forecast to affect Hornsby, Woy Woy and Budgewoi by 9:35 pm and Gosford, Calga and the Yengo National Park northwest of St Albans by 10:05 pm.

Another severe thunderstorm likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near Camden and Campbelltown. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect Menangle and Theresa Park by 9:35 pm and Macquarie Fields by 10:05 pm.

133 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT PEARL BEACH IN THE 2 HOURS TO 3:43 PM.

93.5 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT ETTALONG IN THE 1 HOUR TO 2:22 PM.

67 mm was recorded at Cronulla South in the 2 hour to 5:35 pm.

58 mm of rainfall was recorded at East Gosford in the 1 hour to 2:55 pm.

56.6 mm of rainfall was recorded at Gosford in the 1 hour to 2:53 pm.

66 mm of rainfall was recorded at Bensville in the 1 hour to 2:49 pm.

57 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kilcare Heights in the 1 hour to 2:39 pm.

65 mm of rainfall was recorded at Woy Woy in the 1 hour to 2:33 pm.

48.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kincumber Mountain in the 30 minutes to 2:30 pm.

71 mm of rainfall was recorded at Koolewong in the 1 hour to 2:26 pm.

62.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Avalon in the 1 hour to 2:13 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).