Overview
- NSW SES warned millions across the state of dangerous, sudden flash flooding and urged people to keep clear of creeks and never drive through floodwaters.
- The Bureau of Meteorology forecast another round of severe thunderstorms on Friday across eastern NSW and southern Queensland, extending into eastern Victoria with the risk of damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain.
- Very heavy falls have already been logged, including 74.5 mm in two hours at Kangy Angy on the Central Coast and 70 mm in three hours at Lake Macquarie.
- Emergency crews are on standby and SES officials asked commuters to delay non‑essential travel, while Sydney Airport advised passengers to plan ahead on the season’s busiest domestic travel day.
- Forecasters highlighted higher‑risk zones including the Central Coast, Hunter, mid north coast, northern Tablelands, inland Northern Rivers and parts of south‑west Sydney near the airport, with the system expected to shift north over the weekend.