Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Sydney: Intense Rainfall and Life-Threatening Flash Flooding Expected

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21035) for intense rainfall. This is a top-priority alert for people in parts of the Sydney area, issued at 6:57 pm on Thursday, 26 February 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning specifically identifies a very dangerous, slow-moving thunderstorm detected near Liverpool and Sydney Olympic Park. The storm is forecast to affect the following locations:

• Parramatta, Ryde, and Drummoyne by 7:25 pm
• Blacktown, Erskine Park, and Baulkham Hills by 7:55 pm

A broader Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall also remains current for the majority of the Sydney Metropolitan area, as well as adjacent parts of the Illawarra and Blue Mountains.

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning area 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 if you require rescue.
• Stay indoors and away from windows; ensure children and pets remain indoors as well.
• For emergency assistance in floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.

Expected Conditions

Slow-moving thunderstorms have developed, producing intense rainfall. The Bureau warns that these conditions are likely to lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the impacted zones.

Timeline

The alert was issued at 6:57 pm on Thursday, 26 February 2026. The current warning has an expiry time of 9:57 pm, with the next update scheduled to be issued by 8:00 pm. Residents are encouraged to monitor the Hazards Near Me NSW app for further updates.