A deep low pressure system off southern NSW is slowly tracking north this morning. The Bureau is predicting that between 10am and 2pm, strong to gale force winds will affect Southern Sydney. The heavy rain that has been falling on the NSW South Coast is expected to ease as this low pressure system moves north, with only approximately 30mm of rain expected in Sydney this morning before heading away to the northeast later in the day. Heavy surf which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is forecast for the Metropolitan, Hunter, Illawarra and South Coast forecast districts. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

The Great Western Highway has been closed by NSW Police between Bullaburra and Mt Victoria as well as the Bells Line of Road due to heavy snow and ice on the roadway. A number of vehicles and occupants are currently stuck due to the road conditions. SES Blue Mountains Unit are assisting NSW Police.

For more information on the current warnings issued by the Bureau for NSW, go to www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Thunderstorms and heavy rain which have affected parts of the Illawarra and South Coast forecast districts resulting in localised flash flooding and numerous calls for assistance to the NSW SES 132 500 number. So far over the past 24 hrs, the NSW SES has received at least 233 calls for assitance mainly in the Shoalhaven, Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong areas. These calls for assistance have mainly been to assist with trees down, roof damage and sandbagging due to flood threatening.

The NSW SES reccommends the following safety information for flash flooding:

When flash flooding is likely, leaving low‐lying homes and businesses well before flash flooding begins (evacuation) is the best action to take, but only if it is safe to do so. If you are trapped by rising floodwater, seek refuge in the highest part of a sturdy building. Stay there and call '000' (triple zero) if you need to be rescued.

During a storm, there are simple things you can do to help protect your family:

• Never enter or travel through floodwater
• Stay indoors, clear of windows
• Stay clear of creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees, power lines and damaged buildings
• If driving, put your hazard lights on and pull over to the side of the road keeping clear of drains,causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines
• If outdoors, seek secure shelter away from drains, causeways, streams, creeks, trees and power lines
• Listen to your local radio station and other media for information, updates and advice
• For emergency assistance in floods and storms, call the SES on 132 500
• If your emergency is life threatening, call triple zero 000

After the storm has passed:

• Keep listening to your local radio station for information, updates and advice
• Check your house or property for damage
• Stay clear of creeks, drains, causeways, gutters, streams, fallen trees, power lines and any damagedbuildings
• Check to see if your neighbours need help
• Do not go sightseeing as this may hinder recovery efforts or put yourself and others at risk