What is the location of the flooding?
As of January 18, 2026, eastern Australia, especially New South Wales (NSW), has been battered by intense thunderstorms and torrential rainfall, triggering widespread flash flooding and dangerous weather conditions.
Severe weather struck the NSW coast, Sydney metropolitan area, Central Coast, Hunter region, and adjoining inland districts. Record-breaking rainfall totals of up to 250 mm in 24 hours have swelled rivers and floodplains, isolating communities and inundating roads.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flash flooding and severe weather have impacted numerous regions along Australia’s east coast:
- Blue Mountains and Hunter region.
- Central Coast: Yarramalong, Dooralong (isolated by floodwater).
- Illawarra region (Macquarie Pass area).
- Sydney Northern Beaches: Narrabeen, Mona Vale, Manly.
- Sydney metro and Western Sydney suburbs.
Floodwaters have submerged roads, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted transport across these areas (1).
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Managing flood impacts remains challenging as heavy rain continues to fall and rivers stay elevated. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has responded to over 1,400 severe-weather incidents, including 25 flood rescues, fallen trees, roof damage, and blocked roads.
Rain remains heavy in Sydney’s northern fringes and Central Coast, with some areas reporting sustained rainfall exceeding 250 mm, causing persistent flash-flood conditions. Power outages affect thousands of homes as restoration efforts continue (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuation warnings were issued for houses near Narrabeen Lagoon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches as life-threatening floodwaters rose, with a temporary evacuation centre opened at Mona Vale Memorial Hall (3).
Flood alerts and Watch and Act warnings remain active for parts of the Northern Beaches, Central Coast, and Western Sydney. Authorities urge residents to avoid entering floodwaters, follow Bureau of Meteorology forecasts, and stay updated via SES advisories.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
