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Heavy rain NSW South Coast is set to intensify, with rains on already wet ground increasing the risk of flash flooding.
A severe weather warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology affects much of the coast from Kiama down to the area north of Bega and the inland ranges.
Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding on Saturday and continue into Sunday, the weather service warned.
It is likely that 24-hour rainfall totals could reach up to 160mm in some areas, while isolated parts of the ranges are expected to receive up to 200mm.
“This is rain falling on already wet ground, so the water is going to collect and cause flash flooding, so if you’re in those areas, please be careful,” meteorologist Christy Johnson said.
Nowra, Batemans Bay, Moruya Heads, Ulladulla, Narooma and Araluen are expected to be worst affected.
SES NSW has already responded to 240 incidents in the 24 hours to 3pm due to wet conditions in the Illawarra, South Coast and areas of Sydney.
Flash floods have forced some roads to be closed and the Warragamba Dam in Sydney’s west is at capacity and expected to overflow, according to Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan.
“No significant flooding is expected, but people downstream of the dam are being warned that fast-flowing or deep water near waterways and floodplains could be dangerous,” she said.
Ms Johnson urged anyone living near streams or rivers to pay particular attention to the alerts over the weekend.
There are initial moderate flood warnings for the Moruya and Deua rivers, with wet conditions expected to peak on Sunday morning.
Flood watch warnings have also been issued for the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley, St Georges Basin, Bega and Moruya catchments, which are already wet due to recent rainfall.
“It’s a developing situation now, the rain is already coming down,” Ms Johnson said.
“We expect it to increase, with the heaviest rain likely Saturday afternoon and overnight into Sunday morning.”
Meanwhile, a bushwalker survived after spending a night lost in the Blue Mountains as the area was hit by torrential rain.
The 38-year-old was reported missing at 11.30am on Friday and was found by a specialist search and rescue team just under 24 hours later, SES NSW said.
Group Senior Officer Caro Ryan said the woman was uninjured and was checked by paramedics before walking out of the bush with rescuers.
“We found her in the bush near Katoomba and helped warm her up because it was cold and rainy at night,” Ms Ryan said.
“We know the places where people often get lost, the mountain passes and difficult pinches.”
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