Illawarra residents have been warned to brace for flash flooding as an intense weather system bringing heavy rainfall, wild winds and dangerous surf tracks towards the region.
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The system is expected to make its presence felt in the region from the early hours of Wednesday morning, with a revised Bureau of Meteorology forecast suggesting Wollongong will be soaked by up to 150 millimetres.
The bureau says a low pressure system over central Australia is expected to move into the northwest of NSW on Tuesday and track southeast, rapidly intensifying as it crosses the coast in the Greater Sydney area during Wednesday.
A severe weather warning has been issued for the Illawarra, ahead of the forecast heavy rainfall and vigorous winds.
“Intense rainfall and vigorous winds are expected to impact parts of the Illawarra and Greater Sydney area on Wednesday before the low quickly moves east away from the NSW coast,” the warning said.
Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is likely for some parts of the Illawarra, Sydney metropolitan area and the Blue Mountains during Wednesday.
The bureau says the most intense rainfall is likely to be during Wednesday morning, possibly in the early hours, and afternoon.
Wollongong is forecast to receive between 90 and 150 millimetres of rain on Wednesday. Rain will be heavy at times and there’s also the chance of a thunderstorm during the morning and afternoon.
Bureau forecaster Anita Pyne said the system – dubbed a “transient low” because of its rapid movement – would “whip up some strong wind, some heavy rainfall and some potentially hazardous surf”.
“The heaviest rainfall will probably occur around the Sydney and Illawarra districts, although we can’t rule out heavy rainfall for the northern parts of the South Coast, the Central Coast and Blue Mountains,” Ms Pyne said.
“This heavy rainfall is most likeliest in a six to 12-hour period on Wednesday morning. So, Sydney to the Illawarra could see totals of 50 to 100 millimetres, though we can’t rule out localised totals exceeding 200 millimetres.”
Ms Pyne urged people to keep an eye on the bureau’s website for the latest weather warnings, especially in the wake of the state’s extended dry period.
“We’ve seen quite a dry winter and heavy rainfall’s probably not on most people’s minds at the moment,” she said.
As a result of the forecast drenching, the bureau has also issued an initial flood watch for NSW coastal rivers between the Illawarra Coast and the Central Coast.
Minor to moderate flooding is possible along the Hawkesbury and Nepean River and Georges River from Wednesday.
Sydney Metropolitan areas and coastal catchments between the Central Coast and the Illawarra Coast could see widespread localised flooding and minor to moderate riverine flooding.
Rainfall is expected to ease late on Wednesday and early Thursday as the low pressure system moves further offshore.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90km/h, are likely along the coastal Illawarra and Sydney fringe from late Wednesday morning.
Winds are expected to ease later on Thursday as the low moves further away from the coast.
Large and powerful surf conditions are also expected on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Conditions are expected to be hazardous for coastal activities such as rock fishing, swimming and surfing.
HOW TO PREPARE AND STAY SAFE
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
- Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
- Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
- 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.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
