Parts of the New South Wales south coast have received over 100mm of rainfall, with more heavy falls and storms forecast over the weekend. The highest overnight totals on Friday were recorded at Moruya (146mm) and Bodalla (136mm), with the weather system moving 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 might bring 30-50mm of rainfall, and isolated falls of up to 100mm. Heavy storms dumped 35mm of rain in half an hour in north Parramatta on Saturday morning.
The NSW State Emergency Service reported 880 requests for assistance due to the wild weather. Flash flooding affected Mona Vale and Palm Beach on Saturday afternoon, with around 750 SES volunteers responding. Acting assistant commissioner Sonya Oyston urged residents to monitor warnings, noting catchments are becoming wet and flash flooding risks remain.
Flood rescues were carried out in Albion Park, Picton and Marulan for people trapped in vehicles. The wet weekend follows severe storms in Victoria earlier in the week, where 180mm of rain fell in six hours near Lorne, causing flash flooding along the Great Ocean Road.
Warnings are in place for hazardous surf on the east coast from Newcastle to Batemans Bay and the Eden coast. Police advised against swimming and rock fishing in exposed areas. Several beaches on the Central Coast, including North Avoca, Terrigal and Copacabana, have been closed.
Further storms are expected in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland, with possible large hail and damaging winds. Conditions are forecast to ease on Monday, with westerly winds and hot weather returning later next week.
