Residents and holidaymakers around Narrabeen Lagoon were able to return to their properties yesterday morning after an emergency evacuation overnight as dangerous flash flooding swept through the Northern Beaches.
The NSW State Emergency Service issued an evacuation order at 10.41pm on Saturday for areas surrounding Narrabeen Lagoon, including the BIG4 Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, as rapidly rising floodwaters threatened properties. More than 60 people were directed to leave before 11.30pm, with many heading to the temporary evacuation centre set up at Mona Vale Memorial Hall.
The warning was downgraded to “return with caution” just before 9am yesterday, as water levels peaked and began slowly receding.
NSW SES volunteers worked alongside local Rural Fire Service members to help isolated residents and holidaymakers relocate to higher ground. Transport assistance was provided on-site at the holiday park for those who needed it.
The emergency followed intense rainfall that saw Terrey Hills weather station record 179.6mm in the 24-hour period to 9am. The deluge overwhelmed drainage systems and caused flooding across the Northern Beaches from Manly to Palm Beach.
At Great Mackerel Beach near Barrenjoey Headland, a landslide damaged three properties overnight. Residents from those homes were accommodated locally, according to the NSW SES.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Sonya Oyston said severe weather impacted parts of the Illawarra, greater Sydney and Hunter regions with locally intense rainfall.
Across the state, SES crews responded to more than 1,400 incidents within 24 hours and carried out 20 flood rescues, mostly involving people who had driven into floodwaters.
Authorities have warned that floodwaters at Narrabeen are expected to take several days to recede. Residents returning to affected areas are urged to check their properties for damage before entering and to avoid any remaining floodwaters.
Sydney’s Observatory Hill weather station recorded 127mm of rain, marking its wettest January day in 38 years, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Rain is forecast to continue over coming days, with the possibility of more thunderstorms along the coast.
For emergency assistance during floods or storms, contact the NSW SES on 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000). Stay updated via the Hazards Near Me app or visit ses.nsw.gov.au.
Published 18-January-2026
