The east coast of New South Wales is being pummelled by a powerful weather system, described as a “bomb cyclone” — a rare meteorological event that has triggered widespread flash flooding, severe weather warnings, and emergency rescue efforts from the Central Coast to the South Coast.
With some areas recording over 200mm of rainfall in just 24 hours and severe weather alerts stretching as far north as Coffs Harbour, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is urging residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and to stay updated via official emergency channels.
A bomb cyclone is an unofficial but widely used term for a rapidly intensifying low-pressure system. Technically known as explosive cyclogenesis, it refers to a drop of 24 millibars or more in atmospheric pressure within 24 hours. The result? Fierce winds, torrential rain, and extreme weather conditions over a concentrated area.
This system behaves similarly to a hurricane but is formed differently. In Australia, such events are rare but not unheard of — they most commonly take shape as east coast lows, which are notorious for dumping vast amounts of rain on coastal areas.
Watch: SES reports 2,300 emergency calls overnight due to extreme flooding in NSW
SES reports 2,300 emergency calls overnight to extreme flooding in NSW (Sky News)
“A significant and complex weather pattern has affected the east coastline of New South Wales, stretching from the Central Coast down to the South Coast.”
Read news.com.au’s live coverage on Sydney’s weather bomb cyclone.
Heavy rainfall has triggered flash flooding in multiple suburbs and towns across NSW. As of 10:50am, July 2, the SES has issued flood warnings for:
If you work or live in these areas, it’s important to monitor and stay informed of the condition.
In these areas, low-lying roads and bridges are likely to be closed. Authorities have stressed the importance of not driving or walking through floodwaters under any circumstance.
If it’s flooded, forget it. Turn around and find an alternative route.
These updates may change, and more locations may be affected later in the day or across Wednesday.
Damaging Wind Warning for Coastal NSW, Northern Tablelands, Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast – Monitor conditions
Look at all Current SES Warnings Live Updates to stay aware.
The storm system has dumped extraordinary volumes of rain across both the South Coast and the Sydney metro area:
The NSW State Emergency Service has already received over 300 calls for help, with multiple overnight rescues reported.
Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas are advised to:
To stay safe and informed, use the following tools and numbers:
If your home or business has been affected, your first priority is safety. Then, follow these essential steps:
Once the immediate danger has passed, the rain begins to ease and your property has been affected by floodwaters, you may be left asking: What now?
Recovering from a flood isn’t just about drying out. It’s a layered process that involves making your home or business safe, functional, and livable again. Dealing with any damage to your home or workplace may feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can make a big difference.
The first priority is getting rid of any remaining floodwater and drying out affected areas. This isn’t just about surface moisture, as water often seeps into flooring, walls, and other structural elements. This makes professional water extraction and drying services here critical. Industrial-grade equipment can speed up the drying process and help prevent longer-term damage, like rot or warping.
Flooding can leave behind more than just soggy carpet and warped wood. It creates ideal conditions for mould to grow, especially in dark, damp spaces. If left untreated, mould can quickly spread and pose serious health risks. Mould remediation services help remove not just the visible mould but also address airborne spores and prevent future outbreaks.
At the same time, it’s crucial to have a structural assessment carried out. Floodwaters can weaken foundations, shift walls, and compromise the integrity of your building in ways that aren’t always immediately obvious. Trained professionals can help identify any hidden damage and advise on necessary repairs.
Floodwater is rarely clean. It can carry bacteria, chemicals, sewage, and other contaminants into your home or workplace. Thorough sanitation and disinfection are essential to make the space safe again—not just for now, but for the long term. Depending on the extent of damage, carpet and flooring recovery may also be needed, whether that means deep cleaning or complete replacement.
For many of these needs, you can turn to Flood Services, who specialise in comprehensive post-flood restoration and cleanup across NSW.
Flood recovery often goes beyond cleanup. Depending on the impact, you might need to get in touch with power restoration crews to safely reconnect your electricity, especially if systems were submerged or damaged. Telecommunications providers may also be involved if landlines or internet connections were disrupted.
And don’t forget the practical essentials—licensed electricians and plumbers should inspect and repair any compromised systems before you use them again. Finally, documenting the damage thoroughly and contacting your insurance provider or assessor is an important step toward claiming and funding repairs.
According to meteorologists, the peak impact of the bomb cyclone is expected today and tomorrow (July 2–3). Conditions may worsen across the Illawarra, Sydney Basin, and South Coast, while Northern NSW could also experience secondary impacts.
Stay indoors where possible and check in with elderly neighbours or relatives who may need assistance.
NSW is facing a significant weather emergency, with a rare bomb cyclone unleashing dangerous flash flooding and unpredictable rainfall. Staying informed, prepared, and cautious is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
For live updates, alerts, and evacuation advice, follow the NSW SES and Bureau of Meteorology across digital platforms.
