Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Issued at 10:57 am Friday, 23 May 2025.

Heavy rainfall continuing for the Illawarra and South Coast today, before easing this evening.

Weather Situation: A persistent and moist onshore flow continues to bring areas of widespread rain to 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 today over the Illawarra, South Coast and eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals of 60 to 120 mm are possible.

Rainfall is expected to ease gradually from the north, contracting to the the South Coast and adjacent inland area by the early evening. Rainfall is then expected ease more broadly later this 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, Batemans Bay, Eden, Braidwood, Bega and Moruya Heads.

108mm was recorded at Macquarie Pass in the 3 hours to 9:55am

70mm was recorded at Lake Illawarra in the 2 hours to 9:48am.

74mm was recorded at Oranmeir in the 6 hours to 6:40am.

105mm was observed at Lake Macquarie in the 6 hours to 2:30am.

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Other significant rainfall observations between 9:00 am Thursday and 10:00 am Friday include:

241mm at Macquaire Pass

215mm at Oranmeir

211mm at Richmond Airport

179mm at Robertson

165mm at Huntley Colliery

161mm at Upper Calderwood

157mm at Wattamolla

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.