Severe rain is lashing the coastline of New South Wales, and forecasts indicate that more storms are on the way over what promises to be a wet weekend. Parts of the south coast of New South Wales have already experienced over 100mm of rainfall, with projections suggesting even heavier downpours and storms throughout the state in the coming days.
Notably, overnight reports from Friday indicated significant rainfall in Moruya, where 146mm fell, and Bodalla, which saw 136mm. The weather system is expected to shift northward as Saturday progresses.
Dean Narramore, a senior meteorologist with the Bureau of Meteorology, pointed out that regions including Illawarra, Sydney, Central Coast, and Hunter can anticipate showers and thunderstorms. These weather events could easily lead to rainfall amounts between 30-50mm, with isolated areas potentially receiving 80-100mm.
In particular, heavy storms struck the north Parramatta area on Saturday morning, unleashing 35mm of rain within just half an hour. "This pattern of storms will persist throughout today," Narramore explained. "Showers will continue in the southern parts of the state, and we expect heavy rain and storms to affect the Illawarra, Sydney, Central Coast, and Hunter regions."
The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) reported that approximately 880 individuals had sought assistance due to the severe weather. The heavy rainfall has resulted in flash flooding incidents in areas such as Mona Vale and Palm Beach, prompting around 750 SES volunteers to actively respond to the situation created by the thunderstorms.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Sonya Oyston, the state duty commander for NSW SES, emphasized the importance of staying informed about weather warnings. She noted that heavy rain and storms are likely to persist across many areas for the next two days. "We are starting to see many catchments become saturated, and we have already witnessed the effects of flash flooding throughout the coast and ranges. It is crucial for people to take necessary precautions and not let their guard down," she advised.
Oyston also mentioned that SES crews have been involved in flood rescues in Albion Park, Picton, and Marulan, where vehicles became trapped due to flash floods just within the last 24 hours.
This incoming wet weekend follows on the heels of severe storms that recently delivered an astonishing 180mm of rain in just six hours to Victoria’s Lorne and Wye River. This deluge triggered flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road, damaging campgrounds and sweeping away vehicles and tents.
Currently, there are warnings issued for hazardous surf conditions along the east coast, affecting beaches from Newcastle all the way down to Batemans Bay, including the Eden coast. NSW police have urged residents and visitors to think twice before entering the water or walking near areas impacted by surf.
Rock fishers are particularly cautioned to avoid coastal rock platforms that are exposed to the ocean and are advised to seek safer locations sheltered from the surf.
On Friday, hailstones measuring 5-7cm were reported in Coramba, a town northwest of Coffs Harbour, and it is anticipated that additional storms will develop in the region on Saturday.
Narramore indicated that northeast NSW, encompassing the mid-north coast and the Northern Rivers, along with southeast Queensland, might face another wave of severe storms, bringing with them large hail, destructive winds, and heavy rainfall.
Looking ahead, NSW will experience additional wet weather on Sunday before conditions are expected to improve by Monday, with westerly winds and warmer temperatures predicted to return later next week.
In a silver lining, Narramore shared the "good news" that conditions are beginning to improve in Victoria following the recent heavy downpours in tourist areas along the Great Ocean Road. For far-eastern and northeast Victoria, only isolated showers and thunderstorms are forecasted.
Meanwhile, widespread flood warnings remain active for much of inland, northern, and western Queensland. Severe storms are predicted for the state’s southeast on Saturday, with showers and storms continuing across much of eastern and northern Queensland over the weekend. Additionally, a tropical low is set to bring heavy storms and rainfall to the Top End and Kimberley regions throughout the weekend.
The ongoing climate crisis is increasing Australia's susceptibility to extreme weather events and natural disasters, including flash flooding. In a recent report, the World Meteorological Organization revealed that 2025 has continued a worrying trend of extraordinary global temperatures, marking the third consecutive year of record highs, with average surface air temperatures reaching 1.48 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.
– with AAP
