Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Maitland/Cessnock, Greater Newcastle, Gosford/Wyong, Sydney, Blue Mountains/Hawkesbury and Wollondilly/Wingecarribee areas.

Issued at 8:41 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026.

INTENSE RAINFALL ABOUT NORTHERN SYDNEY SUBURBS.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 8:35 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Mona Vale and Manly. This thunderstorm is moving towards the northwest. It is forecast to affect Hornsby, Ryde and Berowra by 9:05 pm and Parramatta, Glenorie and Brooklyn by 9:35 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Campbelltown, Wyong, Cooranbong and Calga. These thunderstorms are slow moving. They are forecast to affect Oran Park, Narellan and Freemans Waterhole by 9:05 pm and Camden, Budgewoi and Maroota by 9:35 pm.

133 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT PEARL BEACH IN THE 2 HOURS TO 3:43 PM.

93.5 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT ETTALONG IN THE 1 HOUR TO 2:22 PM.

67 mm was recorded at Cronulla South in the 2 hour to 5:35 pm.

58 mm of rainfall was recorded at East Gosford in the 1 hour to 2:55 pm.

56.6 mm of rainfall was recorded at Gosford in the 1 hour to 2:53 pm.

66 mm of rainfall was recorded at Bensville in the 1 hour to 2:49 pm.

57 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kilcare Heights in the 1 hour to 2:39 pm.

65 mm of rainfall was recorded at Woy Woy in the 1 hour to 2:33 pm.

48.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kincumber Mountain in the 30 minutes to 2:30 pm.

71 mm of rainfall was recorded at Koolewong in the 1 hour to 2:26 pm.

62.5 mm of rainfall was recorded at Avalon in the 1 hour to 2:13 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500.
Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au).