Wet and windy weekend forecasted for Illawarra

GET ready for a wet weekend as a low-pressure system brings rain and windy conditions to the Illawarra.

The storm is expected to hit tonight, with the Illawarra and Sydney to bear the brunt of the storm.

Wollongong City Council has four sites across the city where residents can fill sandbags.

Each site will be open from 12pm today (Saturday April 29) and people will need to bring their own shovels.

A significant cold front is forecast to cross the southern and central parts of the state today, bringing increased showers and cooler temperatures to most parts. A low pressure system is then expected to develop near shore off the southern half of the NSW coast later today or early Sunday, before weakening and moving away during Monday. 

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecasted a very high chance of rain, most likely during this afternoon and evening. Heavy falls are possible near the coast tonight.

Sand deliveries will be taking place across the morning at the four sandbag collection points:

• Rex Jackson Oval, Helensburgh
• Bellambi Boat Ramp overflow car park
• Fairy Meadow Beach car park
• Fred Finch Park Playground (Berkeley)

A Council spokesperson said sand is supplied for residential use only. Where sandbags aren’t available, the SES recommends the use of empty heavy-duty garbage bags, grocery bags, pillowcases or grain bags.

For information on how to prepare and what you should do to stay safe in floods and storms follow NSW SES and NSW SES Wollongong City Unit. If you need help during a flood or storm, call the SES on 132 500. If someone’s life is at risk, call 000.

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