Drivers are being urged to not travel through rising floodwater in Wollongong and Shellharbour as a severe weather warning is in place for the Illawarra on Friday.
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At 9am there heavy rain is falling over the region causing traffic delays.
Five Islands Road near Spring Hill Road, Cringila has flooded causing one of three southbound lanes to close.
Emergency services and Transport for NSW crews are attending, with drivers advised to exercise caution and reduce speed.
People should also be careful driving through rising water at the Springhill Road and Keira Street intersection.
Part of the South Coast Line was closed between Waterfall and Thirroul due to heavy rain activating safety monitors and slip detectors at Helensburgh on Friday morning.
A limited number of buses are replacing trains in both directions and delays continue.
Customers are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time, listen to announcements and check indicator boards.
The Bureau of Meteorology says an intense coastal trough is bringing heavy rain to parts of eastern NSW including the Illawarra.
Rain, between 40 to 80mm, is expected on Friday and will continue over the weekend. The Illawarra is likely to receive gusty winds.
On Saturday, the Bureau predicts up to 200mm could fall.
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.
Residents should also brace for flash flooding.
The Bureau predicts northern parts of the Illawarra could experience flooding by Friday night.
If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring Triple 0 if you need rescue.
There is a strong wind warning for the Illawarra coastline with hazardous surf conditions.
Residents are advised to stay out of the water and not go rock fishing.
NSW State Emergency Service crews have responded to 60 jobs across the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and South Coast since midnight Wednesday.
An NSW SES spokeswoman said across the state, the most common types of jobs have been businesses closing due to flooding, requests for sandbags, rooves leaking and trees down.
The SES strongly urges people to not drive, ride or walk through flood water and to keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
Even driving through 10cm of floodwater can float a small car.
People should move their vehicles under cover and away from trees.
Also, secure or put away loose items around the house, yard and balcony and ensure pets are safe.
Keep at least eight metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
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