More than half of NSW, including the Illawarra, can expect heavy falls on Tuesday and possible flash flooding as two weather systems collide and bring increased rain activity to the state.
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The area covered by the warning issued on Monday evening extended across the entire NSW-Queensland border, and reached as far south along the coast as the Victorian border.
"With this approach of the new system coming through... We're expecting this heavy rain to fall in areas that haven't seen as much rain over the last few days, and we're expecting the flood risk to develop in those areas as well," Jane Golding, from the Bureau of Meteorology, said.
Wollongong is forecast to receive between 60 and 100 millimetres of rain on Tuesday.
The Illawarra catchment is subject to a flood watch for minor flooding, while the Bureau has issued or renewed flood warnings for numerous rivers, including the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers.
The Bureau has also warned of hazardous surf and gale force winds along the Illawarra coastline, with localised damaging wind gusts and thunderstorm activity possible.
Sheep graziers are advised the adverse weather conditions could lead to the loss of exposed sheep and lambs.
Picton residents are still braced for possible flooding, despite Stonequarry Creek continuing to fall on Monday.
The State Emergency Service's Wollondilly unit has kept busy preparing sandbags and asks businesses in the CBD to keep their sandbags in place in anticipation of further rain.
Flood forecaster Justin Robinson urged NSW residents to keep abreast of flood warnings and advice from the SES.
"This is quite a dangerous situation that NSW is currently facing, and we all have to work together to stay safe," Mr Robinson said.
He said this "very significant flood event" facing NSW was the worst he had seen in his 20 years working as a flood forecaster with the Bureau.
In the eight hours to 5pm Monday, 9.6 millimetres of rain was recorded at Albion Park, Bellambi picked up 6.4 millimetres, and Kiama saw 22.4 millimetres.
But clearer skies are ahead - Wollongong can look forward to a sunny day tomorrow, with a top of 26 degrees forecast.
However, Ms Golding said that despite the clearing conditions, parts of the state would still be at risk of flooding for several days.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
