Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Metropolitan, Illawarra and parts of Hunter and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 5:05 pm Saturday, 2 July 2022.

Heavy rainfall and locally damaging winds possible about central NSW east of the ranges.

Weather Situation:
A surface trough is expected to deepen offshore from the Illawarra area today and move slowly northward over the remainder of the weekend, driving widespread showers and heavy rain along parts of the eastern coast of NSW. An East Coast Low may form within the trough during Sunday and linger until Monday, which will prolong this significant rainfall event across multiple days.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the Illawarra and Sydney Metropolitan districts, extending to the Hunter district over the weekend. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 to 120 mm are possible.

Strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 50 to 70 km/h with peak gusts up to 90 km/h are possible along the coastal fringe later on Sunday, continuing overnight.

Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

A Flood Watch has been issued for coastal catchments from the Lower Hunter to the South Coast. A Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Surf is also current along parts of the central coastline. See http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.

Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Sydney, Penrith, Parramatta, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Campbelltown, Katoomba, Huskisson, Springwood and Bilpin.

Berry (Broughton Creek) recorded 284mm of rain over 24 hours up to 3.44pm.

Albion Park (Shellharbour Airport) recorded 242mm of rain over 24 hours up to 4.35pm.

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.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* 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.
* 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.
* 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.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.