Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:36 am Thursday, 6 June 2024.

Heavy rainfall forecast for areas between Oberon, Campbelltown and Ulladulla today and through Friday afternoon.

Weather Situation: A surface trough extending from the Illawarra region into the Tasman Sea will deepen today in response to an upper low over central New South Wales. A humid southeasterly flow will remain in place to the south of this system.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the Illawarra and parts of the South Coast, Southern and Central Tablelands, and Metropolitan districts today and through Friday afternoon. Scattered six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 100 mm are likely with isolated totals around 150 mm possible. Scattered 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are likely with isolated totals around 250 mm possible.

Heavy rainfall is occurring around Nowra and Jervis Bay, and is expected to extend northward later this afternoon and evening. Conditions are expected to ease across the warning area during the latter parts of Friday as the trough moves back south and weakens.

Flood Watch is current for parts of the Central Coast, Sydney Metropolitan Area, Illawarra and South Coast while various Flood Warnings are also current. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Campbelltown, Ulladulla, Jenolan Caves, Oberon, Taralga and Nerriga.

Significant rainfall observations to 9:00 am AEST Thursday:

99 mm was recorded in 3 hours to 8:10 am at Vincentia, 176 mm in 24 hours

87 mm was recorded in 3 hours to 8:15 am at Nowra (Tomerong Creek), 152 mm in 24 hours

100 mm was recorded in 6 hours to 2:30 am at Currarong, 188 mm in 24 hours

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.