Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Intense Rainfall for parts of Gosford/Wyong and Sydney areas. Issued at 3:42 pm Saturday, 17 January 2026. INTENSE RAINFALL WITH THUNDERSTORMS NORTH OF SYDNEY AND SOUTHERN CENTRAL COAST. INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas: Gosford/Wyong and Sydney The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 3:40 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding was detected near Woy Woy and Brooklyn. This thunderstorm is slow moving. It is forecast to affect Calga, Mount White and Kariong by 4:40 pm. Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near Wyong and Ourimbah. They are forecast to affect Tuggerah, Tuggerah Lake and Gorokan by 4:10 pm and The Entrance, Toukley and Berkeley Vale by 4:40 pm. 82.5MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT PEARL BEACH IN THE 1 HOUR TO 2:34 PM. 93.5MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT ETTALONG IN THE 1 HOUR TO 2:22 PM. 57 mm of rainfall was recorded at Kilcare Heights in the 1 hour to 2:34 pm. 65 mm of rainfall was recorded at Bensville in the 1 hour to 2:34 pm. 65 mm of rainfall was recorded at Woy Woy in the 1 hour to 2:33 pm. 71 mm of rainfall was recorded at Koolewong in the 1 hour to 2:26 pm. 62.5mm of rainfall was recorded at Avalon in the 1 hour to 2:13 pm. The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. * Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water. * If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue. * Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500. Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.act.gov.au). A more general severe thunderstorm warning is also current for parts of the Hunter, Metropolitan and Central Tablelands districts. Other warnings may be current. The next warning is due to be issued by 4:45 pm. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.