A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds has been issued for people in the Illawarra, South Coast and nearby ranges this afternoon, with six hourly totals of 60-100mm and 24 hour totals up to 140mm possible. Towns in the warning area include Wollongong, Goulburn, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Moruya Heads, Bowral and the Barrington Tops.
In the last 24 hours, NSW SES has responded to more than 90 incidents, including two flood rescue incidents.
Crews were activated for a motorist at Camden Bypass who had driven off a cliff face; they were successfully rescued by NSW Police. NSW SES crews are also currently attending to a group of bushwalkers trapped by floodwater at Wattamolla.
NSW SES State Duty Commander, Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said these incidents are a timely reminder that flash flooding is a significant risk and urged those on the afternoon commute to remain vigilant.
"We are expecting it be very wet this afternoon, and crews have already been responding to several incidents," Assistant Commissioner Storey said.
"Flash flooding can occur quickly and without warning. We implore motorists to never drive, walk or ride through floodwaters - if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route."
Severe thunderstorms may also develop on Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, across much of the state including the Hunter, Sydney Metro, South West Slopes, Central Tablelands and Central West Slopes and Plains forecast areas. Damaging wind gusts of 90-110 km/h and large hail of 2-4cm are expected, with locally destructive winds exceeding 125 km/h possible.
The rain and severe thunderstorms may result in some minor river rises on Wednesday and Thursday in the Darling, Macquarie, Bogan, Orange, Upper Hunter, Hawkesbury Nepean Valley and St Georges Basin catchments. NSW SES will continue to closely monitor river heights and issue warnings as needed. Some local roads and bridges may be impacted.
Damaging winds with peak gusts around 90 km/h are expected to continue along coastal parts of the state and parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands on Thursday morning, before easing in the afternoon as the system moves east over the Tasman Sea.
Assistant Commissioner Storey said this weather system is dynamic and urged residents to stay across the latest warnings.
"We ask people to download the Hazards Near Me app and set up a watch zone for your local area, so you are alerted with the latest warnings and advice."
If you need assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
