Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 5:01 pm Monday, 28 February 2022.

AN EAST COAST LOW TO IMPACT EASTERN AND SOUTHERN COAST, RANGES AND HINTERLAND FROM TUESDAY NIGHT.

Weather Situation: A deepening low pressure system near the Queensland and New South Wales border is forecast to move off the coast later this evening. It is then expected to drift southward parallel to the coast on Tuesday and rapidly deepen in response to an amplifying upper trough and low. At this stage, the system is forecast to approach central and southeastern districts on Tuesday night or during Wednesday, however, uncertainty exists on its exact timing and where the most significant impacts will occur.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to flash flooding is forecast to develop over parts of the Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast and parts of Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands Forecast Districts on either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 and 120 mm are likely, most likely south of Gosford.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to dangerous and LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms with six-hourly rainfall totals in excess of 200 mm possible.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h may develop in the warning area from Wednesday, most likely over the coast and elevated terrain. Locally DESTRUCTIVE WIND GUSTS with peak gusts in excess of 125 km/h are also possible.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall or destructive wind gusts are detected.

A separate Severe Weather Warning for Damaging Surf and Abnormally High Tides is current for coastal areas south of Foster.

A Flood Watch and multiple Flood Warnings are current for parts of New South Wales. For more details, please visit www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings.

Locations which may be affected include Gosford, Sydney, Penrith, Parramatta, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Campbelltown, Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Bega and Moruya Heads.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* 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.