Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:57 am Sunday, 6 March 2022.

Heavy rainfall forecast over the South Coast, Illawarra, and parts of the Tablelands.

An upper low will slowly move over northern NSW today and into Monday. A surface trough off the NSW coast is expected to strengthen, bringing moist southeasterlies onto the South Coast, Illawarra, and parts of the Tablelands.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to flash flooding is forecast for the western Metropolitan area, eastern slopes of the Central and Southern Tablelands, and through the Illawarra and South Coast districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 to 120 mm are possible about the eastern Tablelands, eastern escarpment and the Illawarra district. Heavy rainfall will likely ease further in the northern parts of the warning area during Sunday afternoon, before increasing over the South Coast district from Sunday evening. Heavy rainfall will then likely re-intensify more broadly throughout the warning area by early Monday morning.

Thunderstorms may occur over the northern parts of the warning area, with locally intense falls possible. Separate severe thunderstorm warnings will be issued if this eventuates.

Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

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 Penrith, Wollongong, Nowra, Bowral, Katoomba and Goulburn.

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.