Update 5pm:
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The SES has reported that it received calls for about 130 jobs throughout the Illawarra since Saturday morning.
Update 1pm:
The Bureau of Meteorology has just warned that severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near Camden and Campbelltown.
These thunderstorms are moving towards the southeast and are forecast to affect Sutherland, Liverpool and Helensburgh by 1:30 pm and Bundeena, waters off Stanwell Park and waters off Thirroul by 2:00 pm.
Heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, large hailstones and damaging winds are likely.
Earlier, around 12.35pm, the bureau issued a more generalised severe weather warning for heavy rainfall for people in the South Coast and parts of the Illawarra.
According to the BOM, a low pressure system over eastern NSW is moving east and is expected to reach the Tasman Sea on Saturday.
Heavy rainfall which may lead to flash flooding has developed about coastal parts of the Illawarra and will continue to develop about areas of the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, ACT and Snowy Mountains districts into the afternoon and evening.
Localised intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding may develop during the afternoon.
Meanwhile, NSW SES media spokesperson Andrew McCullough said the morning's storms and heavy rainfall appeared to have moved further south, with two flood rescues taking place in the Milton-Ulladulla area.
While conditions have eased, he noted there was still the risk of more storms in the Illawarra throughout Saturday afternoon and evening, with short, sharp storms potentially resulting in heavy rainfall.
Earlier:
Illawarra residents awoke to dark skies on Saturday morning, as forecast severe weather arrived in the region around 7am.
Thunderstorms and a massive downpour are moving through the region, with residents in some of the southern suburbs reporting hail and over-the-road flooding in parts.
After two hours of storms, the Bureau of Meterology issued a severe thunderstorm warning just after 9am, flagging the possibility of flash flooding, hailstones and damaging winds for Sydney, Wollongong and Nowra.
The bureau also reported that nearly 40mm of rain fell in just half an hour at the Wollongong automatic weather station from 8.30-9am.
NSW SES media spokesperson Andrew McCullough said areas such as Shellharbour, Albion Park and the southern suburbs of Wollongong had been impacted the most by the heavy rain.
He said their most common request so far had been for sandbags.
Mr McCullough said it was expected the heavy rain would continue on Saturday morning as the coastal low heads further south. He said flash flooding throughout the Illawarra was possible if the heavy rainfall continued.
By about 10.30, there were reports of cars being rescued from floodwaters in Albion Park, and the SES was attending to a rescue - removing a car from floodwaters - on West Dapto road at Horsely.
UPDATE: Trains are back to normal after an interruption for several hours this morning.
The NSW Transport Management Centre said earlier that buses were replacing trains in both directions between Wollongong and Dapto on the South Coast Line due to a lightning strike at Kembla Grange affecting rail infrastructure.
As the storms continue, the State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Move your car 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 (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
- *Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
- 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.
- 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.
- Unplug computers and appliances.
- Avoid using the phone during the storm.
- Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.
The next warning is due to be issued by 12:05 pm.
Kate McIlwain
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
For more than a decade, I've helped the Illawarra Mercury set the news agenda across the region. Currently I'm the paper's health reporter - covering the stories of Illawarra workers and residents in the wake of a global pandemic and at a time where our health systems are stretched to the limit.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
