The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for intense rainfall for parts of the Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains and South West Slopes Forecast Districts.
Severe thunderstorms are occurring over coastal and inland New South Wales
According to the Bureau, an approaching upper trough is combining with an unstable environment to trigger severe thunderstorms across New South Wales.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Illawarra and South Coast districts.
Locations which may be affected include Albion Park, Kiama, Huskisson and Ulladulla.
Greenwell point in the Shoalhaven has recorded 178mm in 2 hours to 6:00am today (Thursday February 9).
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don’t walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* 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.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500 or for emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
Image: James Fennessy – East Coast Radio.
