The Bureau of Meteorology has upgraded its earlier rain prediction for the Illawarra, with forecasts now showing 200mm could fall on Saturday alone.
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Already, the region was on track to get more rain than it's had in almost three years.
Now if the maximum rainfall comes to fruition, the region would receive 490mm from Friday to Monday - which would be more than half the total rainfall the region received in all of 2019.
The rain could mean February has the highest monthly total since March 2017, and if it reaches the maximum predictions it could top the deluge of June 2016, when king tides and the massive east coast low flooded the region.
Wollongong's rain forecast
- Friday: 19-24 degrees, 100% chance of rain, with 40-80mm predicted.
- Saturday: 19-22 degrees, 95% chance of rain, with 80-200mm predicted.
- Sunday: 20-22 degrees, 95% chance of rain, with 60-120mm predicted.
- Monday: 20-23 degrees, 90% chance of rain, with 35-90mm predicted.
Earlier this week, BOM meteorologist David Wilke said it was not unreasonable to compare this week's forecast to that of March 2017.
"In terms of the rainfall forecast, it's not out of the question," he said.
"It's certainly a significant rainfall event. This kind of widespread rain - a deep coastal trough - is something we haven't seen in a while and it's looking like it will be a multi-day event, starting [on Thursday] and continuing for a week.
Wollongong City Council has advised residents to preapre for the heavy rain, noting one-third of properties in Wollongong are at risk of flooding.
Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said storms and flooding could be "be extremely dynamic and unpredictable in nature".
"Large volumes of water can move down our streams and water courses in a very short time," he said.
"Stay well clear of any waterways or storm water drains."
"If you live in an area prone to flooding it is important to prepare your family and property now before floods arrive.
"Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater."
The NSW State Emergency Services website has important information about what to do before, during and after a flood.
"If you don't already, follow the Illawarra South Coast NSW SES page on Facebook for updates and information," Cr Bradbery said.
"If you don't have Facebook, check for updates on their website. Tune your radios to ABC, they are the national emergency broadcaster and have the most up-to-date information. For emergency help in flooding or storms call 132 500 or triple 000 if it is life-threatening."
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