Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Illawarra and parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 11:06 pm Thursday, 22 May 2025.

Heavy rainfall has developed around Newcastle and the Central Coast.

Weather Situation: The coastal trough along the Mid North Coast has weakened and conditions in that region have now eased to moderate showers. Further south, a persistent and very moist onshore flow continues to bring area of widespread rain with embedded heavy showers, particularly over the Hunter and into the Great Dividing Range. Heavy rainfall is expected to extend further south to the Southern Tablelands and inland South Coast later on Friday.

Ongoing moderate rainfall increasing to areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected over parts of the Hunter and Central Coast, as well as the Great Dividing Range to the north of Goulburn, this includes the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands. HEAVY RAINFALL will then extend to remaining parts of the warning area over the Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and inland South Coast district from late Friday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 60 to 100 mm are possible with 24-hourly totals between 100 and 160 mm.

Rainfall is expected to ease gradually from the north, through the Hunter during Friday morning, central parts of the state during late Friday afternoon or evening, before finally easing over the southeast during Saturday morning.

A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for multiple catchments in the state and a Damaging Surf Warning is also current for coastal areas of the Mid North Coast. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Gosford, Bowral, Braidwood, Bega, Katoomba, Goulburn, Nerriga and Captains Flat.

Significant rainfall observations between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm Thursday include:

121.0 mm at Richmond Airport.

121.0 mm at Tallong.

115.0 mm at Macquarie Pass.

111.2 mm at Williamtown.

102.0 mm at Robertson.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.