A severe weather warning has been issued for the parts of the Illawarra as most of NSW braces for another wet and stormy weekend, with widespread rain and thunderstorms to batter much of the state.
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The heaviest downpours of up to 200mm are predicted to hit the South Coast and the southern Illawarra, prompting widespread flash flood warnings.
The Bureau of Meteorology said some coastal areas could receive anywhere between 50 and 100mm of rain on Friday, May 10.
However, the really heavy rainfall has been forecast to start on Saturday, with the rainband moving across to southeast NSW.
A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding across southern parts of the Illawarra, northern parts of the South Coast and eastern parts of the Southern Tablelands from Saturday morning and into Sunday.
The rain is forecast to ease on Sunday night.
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.
