Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 11:12 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL ABOUT CENTRAL COAST AND SOUTHWEST OF SYDNEY.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 11:10 pm, VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding were detected near The Entrance, Terrigal and Dora Creek. These thunderstorms are moving towards the northwest. They are forecast to affect Gosford, Wyong and Toukley by 11:40 pm and Budgewoi, Somersby and Doyalson by 12:10 am.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Oran Park, Narellan, the Hawks Nest district and waters off Norah Head. They are forecast to affect Cobbity, Catherine Hill Bay and waters off Catherine Hill Bay by 11:40 pm and Swansea, Lake Macquarie and Silverdale by 12:10 am.

138.5 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT KULNURA IN THE 3 HOURS TO 9:15 PM.

125.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Woy Woy in the 6 hours to 7:37 pm.

114.6 mm of rainfall was recorded at Mangrove Mountain in the 6 hours to 10:45 pm.

88.6 mm of rainfall was recorded at Camden Airport in the 6 hours to 10:45 pm.

87.6 mm of rainfall was recorded at Mount Annan in the 6 hours to 10:45 pm.

84.4 mm of rainfall was recorded at Norah Head in the 2 hours to 10:45 pm.

82.0 mm of rainfall was recorded at Mona Vale in the 3 hours to 10:45 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).