Eastern NSW is bracing for a bout of extreme weather this week, with an east coast low forming off the coast. The system is expected to impact the Mid North Coast later today, with Sydney set to experience the worst of the conditions by tomorrow. The Bureau of Meteorology has also flagged the possibility of over 200mm of rain in Sydney over the next seven days. In addition to torrential downpours, the powerful low-pressure system moving towards the East Coast is expected to bring dangerous surf and wild winds that will shape much of this week’s weather, with a ‘bomb cyclone’ developing off the coast.
A bomb cyclone is the name for a rapidly forming storm that happens when air pressure drops sharply in a short time. The sudden change creates an intense weather system, often bringing strong winds, heavy rain or snow, and dramatic conditions.
An initial flood warning has been issued across NSW, including the Hawkesbury-Nepean, Georges, Cooks, Sydney Coast, and the Illawarra Coast. Rough surf is also expected along the NSW coast from Seal Rocks to Batemans Bay, with BoM warning that “large and powerful surf conditions will make any coastal activities hazardous” — so you might want to hold off on any beach swims for the next few days.
Weatherzone forecasts heavy rain to hit Sydney and the Illawarra from Tuesday afternoon, peaking overnight into Wednesday. Coastal areas from Batemans Bay to Port Macquarie could see wind gusts over 100km/h. Meanwhile, widespread rainfall of 150-250mm is expected south of Port Macquarie, with parts of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven possibly getting up to 400mm by Thursday evening.
The BoM expects conditions to ease by Friday, with Sydney in for a mostly sunny and mild weekend. Keep up to date with the latest warnings and safety advice here.