The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has prepositioned assets and flood rescue teams as severe weather starts to impact parts of the state and a flood watch is issued for the Wilson's River at Lismore.
A front is currently sitting over North Eastern NSW, with significant rain leading to flash flooding and several flood warnings being issued in the region.
Minor flooding is expected on the Wilsons River at Lismore from tonight (Thursday), with further rises possible as rainfall continues.
A severe thunderstorm warning is current for locally intense rainfall and strong winds in Metropolitan Sydney, Illawarra, South Coast, Southern Tablelands and parts of Hunter, Central Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and Australian Capital Territory forecast districts.
The NSW SES has responded to more than 317 incidents across the state since the start of the weather event, including four flood rescues.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns urged the community to remain vigilant and download the Hazards Near Me app to stay across the latest warnings and advice.
"We're anticipating significant rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding across Sydney, the Hunter, Blue Mountains, Illawarra and South Coast from tomorrow," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.
"Localised six-hourly rainfall totals between 90 to 150 mm possible, reaching up to 220 mm over the Illawarra Escarpment.
"If you do come across a flooded road, please do not drive, walk or ride through it. Stop, turn around and find an alternate route."
Assistant Commissioner Kearns said damaging wind gusts peaking at 90 kilometres per hour were also forecast in the Sydney, Illawarra and South Coast regions, and encouraged the community to tie down loose items and relocate cars from underneath trees.
"Now is the time to secure any outdoor furniture or trampolines which could become projectiles in the forecast strong wind," he said.
"To stay up to date on the latest forecasts, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website."
If you do need assistance from the NSW SES, phone 132 500 or in the event of an emergency phone Triple 0.
Operational statistics:
Statewide incidents:
24 hours to 4pm Thursday: 317
3 hours to 4pm Thursday: 122
4 flood rescues - 1 in South Windsor, 3 in North Eastern zone
