Severe weather warning issued for New South Wales Central and South coasts, major flood warnings in place

03/03/2022

Issued: 10.15am AEDT on Thursday 3 March 2022

A Severe Weather Warning was issued on Thursday morning for an east coast low to impact the New South Wales Central and South coasts and eastern ranges.

The low will bring increasingly widespread rain, with the risk of intense rainfall leading to flash flooding. Six hourly rainfall totals of 80 to 120 mm are likely over broad areas, and some may see six hourly rainfall rates exceed 200 mm.

Multiple major flood warnings are in place for New South Wales including the Hawkesbury, Nepean, Georges, Richmond, Clarence and Weir rivers and Tuggerah Lake. A Flood Watch is in place for other parts of New South Wales.

Communities in the Hunter Valley through to the New South Wales South Coast, including the densely populated areas of Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong, are likely to experience heavy rain and flash or riverine flooding.

Severe thunderstorms are also possible across the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands today and Friday and possibly the weekend.

Damaging winds and waves as well as abnormally high tides are expected, with the risk of inundation from sea water and coastal erosion, particularly between Newcastle and Wamberal on the Hunter Coast.

Damaging winds and waves as well as abnormally high tides are expected.

Many catchments are saturated, with New South Wales dams at or near capacity. Flash flooding and landslides are occurring. Communities should be aware of potential flooding in local creeks and streams and be prepared for flood impacts.

Continue to watch for evacuation warnings and orders and follow the advice of emergency services.

Communities are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings on the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app.

ENDS