Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Rivers, Hunter, Metropolitan and Mid North Coast Forecast Districts.

Issued at 12:11 am Sunday, 18 January 2026.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL ABOUT THE LAKE MACQUARIE AND NEWCASTLE AREA

Weather Situation: A trough along central parts of the coast is generating areas of showers and isolated thunderstorms, with some of these delivering heavy to intense rainfall.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Northern Rivers and Hunter districts. Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Morisset, Wallsend and Toronto.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan and Mid North Coast districts. Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Maitland, Wyong and Cessnock.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Illawarra district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

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

71.0 mm of rainfall was recorded at Wangi Bowling Club in the 90 minutes to midnight.

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).