Parts of the New South Wales south coast have received more than 100mm of rainfall, with further heavy falls and storms forecast to hit the state over the weekend. The highest overnight falls on Friday were recorded at Moruya (146mm) and Bodalla (136mm), as the weather system moved northward on Saturday.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said the Illawarra, Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter regions could expect showers and thunderstorms that could bring 30-50mm of rainfall, with isolated falls of 80-100mm. Heavy storms hit the north Parramatta area on Saturday morning, dumping 35mm of rain in half an hour.
The NSW State Emergency Service reported that 880 people had requested assistance in affected areas, with flash flooding in Mona Vale and Palm Beach on Saturday afternoon. About 750 SES volunteers were responding to the impact of thunderstorms. Acting assistant commissioner Sonya Oyston urged people to monitor warnings, as heavy rain and storms are expected to continue for the next 48 hours.
Flood rescues were conducted in Albion Park, Picton and Marulan for people trapped in vehicles by flash flooding. Warnings were in place for hazardous surf on the east coast from Newcastle to Batemans Bay, and the Eden coast. NSW police advised against walking near surf-exposed areas and urged rock fishers to avoid coastal rock platforms.
Central Coast councillor Jared Wright said several popular beaches, including North Avoca, Terrigal and Copacabana, had been closed. Coramba, north-west of Coffs Harbour, received 5-7cm hailstones on Friday, with more storms expected. Narramore noted that north-east NSW and south-east Queensland could see severe storms with large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall.
Conditions are expected to ease on Monday, with westerly winds and hot weather returning later next week. Meanwhile, widespread flood warnings remain in place for much of Queensland, and a tropical low is forecast to bring heavy storms to the Top End and Kimberley regions.
