Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall Issued for Illawarra District

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a high-priority Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21033) for heavy rainfall. The alert is currently active for the Illawarra Forecast District in New South Wales.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically targets parts of the Illawarra Forecast District. Locations that may be affected by these conditions include Huskisson.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents to take the following precautions:

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride your bike, or drive through flood water.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 for rescue.
• Stay indoors and away from windows; keep children and pets inside.
• For emergency assistance during floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

A southerly change moving up the coast is interacting with a moist atmosphere, triggering heavy rainfall. Slow-moving thunderstorms are currently producing heavy rain along the coastal fringe of the Illawarra district. These conditions are likely to lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 1:04 am Wednesday, 18 March 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 4:05 am. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Hazards Near Me NSW app for further developments.