Wollongong SES units have been hard at work after heavy rainfall today that is forecast to continue overnight. Photo: NSW SES.
Take care out there – there are several road closures in place already across the Illawarra due to flooding and accidents.
Northbound lanes of the Princes Highway at Bombo are closed due to a crash with people trapped.
Light vehicles are using Quarryman Road and Riverside Drive to return to the Princes Highway further north at Dunmore.
Heavy vehicles are being parked until the road reopens.
Further north, two of three southbound lanes of Primbee Bypass as it approaches Windang Road are closed due to water over the road.
The intersection of Terry Street and Tongarra Road at Albion Park is still open, but traffic is heavy in the area, and if rainfall continues it is likely to close later this evening.
The SES has urged drivers to take care on the roads and avoid any unnecessary travel, as flash flooding is a possibility.
“A severe weather warning for heavy rainfall and damaging winds has been issued for people in the Illawarra, South Coast and nearby ranges this afternoon, with six hourly totals of 60-100 mm and 24-hour totals up to 140 mm possible,” an SES spokesperson said.
“Severe thunderstorms may also develop on Wednesday afternoon and into the evening across much of the state.
“Damaging wind gusts of 90-110 km/h, and large hail of up to four centimetres are expected, with locally destructive winds exceeding 125 km/h possible.
“In the last 24 hours, NSW SES has responded to more than 90 incidents, including two flood rescue incidents.”
Assistant Commissioner Storey said the weather system was dynamic and urged residents to stay across the latest warnings.
“We ask people to download the Hazards Near Me app and set up a watch zone for your local area, so you are alerted with the latest warnings and advice.”
If you need assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call triple zero (000).
