The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an urgent warning: very dangerous thunderstorms are sweeping across New South Wales, bringing torrential rain, flash flooding, and destructive winds. This is a life-threatening event — residents are being urged to take immediate action to protect themselves.
📍 Thunderstorm hotspots & timings:
- At 9:05 pm, very dangerous storms were detected near Mona Vale and Wyong, producing heavy, locally intense rainfall that could trigger deadly flash flooding. Moving northwest, these storms are expected to hit Hornsby, Woy Woy, and Budgewoi by 9:35 pm, and Gosford, Calga, and Yengo National Park northwest of St Albans by 10:05 pm.
- Another severe thunderstorm was detected near Camden and Campbelltown, moving slowly. Forecast to hit Menangle and Theresa Park by 9:35 pm, and Macquarie Fields by 10:05 pm.
🌧️ Massive rainfall already recorded:
- 133 mm at Pearl Beach in 2 hours
- 93.5 mm at Ettalong in 1 hour
- 67 mm at Cronulla South in 2 hours
- 58 mm at East Gosford in 1 hour
- 56.6 mm at Gosford in 1 hour
- 66 mm at Bensville in 1 hour
- 57 mm at Kilcare Heights in 1 hour
- 65 mm at Woy Woy in 1 hour
- 48.5 mm at Kincumber Mountain in 30 minutes
- 71 mm at Koolewong in 1 hour
- 62.5 mm at Avalon in 1 hour
💨 Immediate dangers:
- Flash flooding of streets, creeks, and storm drains
- Destructive winds capable of toppling trees and causing debris hazards
- Life-threatening conditions if caught outdoors or in vehicles
⚠️ State Emergency Service Safety Advice:
- Stay indoors away from windows — keep children and pets inside
- Keep clear of creeks, storm drains, and floodwaters
- Do not drive, walk, or ride through floodwater
- If trapped by flash flooding, move to the highest available place and call 000 for rescue
- For storm and flood assistance, call the SES on 132 500
This is a TOP PRIORITY ALERT — conditions are evolving rapidly and may affect thousands before the system clears.
