Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 2:50 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026.

ISOLATED INTENSE RAINFALL ABOUT CENTRAL COAST.

Weather Situation: A trough along central parts of the coast generates areas of showers and isolated thunderstorms, with some of these delivering heavy to intense rainfall. Thunderstorms are also expected to develop this afternoon across northeast parts of the state, and may also become severe.

VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Hunter and Metropolitan districts. Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Wyong, The Entrance and Woy Woy.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Central Tablelands district. Locations which may be affected include Katoomba, Lithgow, Jenolan Caves, Springwood and Bilpin.

Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Illawarra and Southern Tablelands districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

91.5MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT ETTALONG IN THE 1 HOUR TO 2:19 PM.

65.5mm of rainfall was recorded at Pearl Beach in the 1 hour to 2:19 pm.

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

49mm of rainfall was recorded at Medlow Bath in the 2 hours to 11:30 am.

48mm of rainfall was recorded at Blackheath in the 60 min to 11 am.

35mm of rainfall was recorded at North Parramatta in the 30 min to 8:27 am.

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).