Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Sydney and Gosford/Wyong Areas Due to Intense Rainfall

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning for intense rainfall. This high-priority alert was issued at 3:09 am Wednesday, 18 March 2026, targeting the central New South Wales coast. The warning identifies a very dangerous thunderstorm capable of producing life-threatening conditions.

Affected Areas

The primary areas under threat include parts of Sydney and the Gosford/Wyong regions. Specific locations identified in the path of the storm include:

• Dee Why and Collaroy (detected at 3:10 am)
• Mona Vale, Terrey Hills, and Avalon Beach (expected by 3:40 am)
• Palm Beach (expected by 4:10 am)

Additional general warnings are current for parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, and Central Tablelands districts.

What You Should Do

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

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride, or drive through flood waters.
• Seek refuge in the highest available place if trapped by flash flooding; call 000 if rescue is required.
• Stay indoors and away from windows; ensure children and pets remain inside.
• For emergency assistance during floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Slow-moving thunderstorms are producing heavy, locally intense rainfall along the central NSW coast. A southerly change moving up the coast has triggered this heavy rainfall within a moist atmosphere. The heaviest activity is currently concentrated in northern Sydney, with the potential for dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 3:09 am on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. The storm was detected near Dee Why at 3:10 am and is moving north. Impact is expected in Avalon Beach by 3:40 am and Palm Beach by 4:10 am. The next official warning update is scheduled to be issued by 4:10 am.