Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:54 am Friday, 23 May 2025.

Heavy rainfall shifting towards the Illawarra and South Coast today, before easing later in the day.

Weather Situation: A persistent and moist onshore flow continues to bring areas of widespread rain to central and southern coasts today. Heavy rainfall is expected about the Illawarra, South Coast and adjacent inland terrain during the day, but will gradually ease from the north in the afternoon and evening.

Ongoing moderate rainfall and areas of HEAVY RAINFALL are expected during Friday over the Illawarra, South Coast and eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 60 to 100 mm are possible with 24-hourly totals between 100 and 180 mm.

Rainfall is expected to ease gradually from the north, through the Illawarra and northern portion of the warning area in the afternoon, then through the South Coast and southern warning area in the evening.

A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for multiple catchments in the state. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Nowra, Bowral, Braidwood, Bega, Captains Flat and Nimmitabel.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands districts and the warning for these districts is CANCELLED.

105mm was observed at Cooranbong (Lake Macquarie) in the 6 hours to 2:20am.

100mm was observed at Lake Macquarie (Mandalong) in the 6 hours to 2:32am.

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Other significant rainfall observations between 9:00 am Thursday and 4:00 am Friday include:

179.0 mm at Richmond Airport.

176.0 mm at Robertson.

161.0 mm at Macquarie Pass.

150.0 mm at Mandalong (Lake Macquarie).

146.0 mm at Newcastle TAFE.

135.0 mm at Wattamolla.

130.0 mm at Wentworth Falls.

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.