The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that severe weather currently being experienced along the north coast of NSW, will extend southwards to impact Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong during Monday and early Tuesday.
The Bureau’s New South Wales Regional Director, Barry Hanstrum, said that a low-pressure system, formerly tropical cyclone Oswald, is expected to move rapidly southwards through inland New South Wales during Monday and pass out to sea close to Sydney in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“Heavy rainfall is already occurring over northeast NSW and this will extend further south to the Sydney Metropolitan area later on Monday as the low-pressure system approaches,” he said.
“A period of damaging easterly winds is also expected to affect Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney as the low passes.”
It will definitely rain in Penrith tomorrow, with that rain expected to be heavy during the mid-morning. Up to 150mm of rain is anticipated throughout the day.
“Storm force winds in coastal waters, combined with an increasing easterly swell will also produce damaging waves, with coastal erosion possible in vulnerable areas along the NSW coast. The sea level is likely to rise above the normal tide with flooding of some low lying areas close to the shoreline and significant beach erosion,” Mr Hanstrum said.
The rain and wind will ease from most of NSW on Tuesday as the low moves further offshore and into the Tasman Sea, but dangerous surf will continue into Wednesday.
NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear is urging holiday-makers to consider the severe weather when making their travel plans.
“With damaging winds and heavy rain expected in Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast on Monday, holiday makers should exercise patience, drive to the conditions and never enter flood water,” Mr Kear said.
“If you need emergency help in a flood or storm call the NSW SES on 132 500. If your situation is life-threatening call 000,” he added.
The Penrith SES says it is preparing for possible requests for assistance over the next three days.
