New South Wales deputy premier Paul O’Toole said conditions were set to deteriorate further on Wednesday, with the rain set to continue on Thursday too. "We are seeing the situation get worse," he said at a briefing on Wednesday. "And it will get worse before it gets better."

Several people have been killed following the extreme weather along Australia’s east coast this week.

A flood watch has been issued for Greater Sydney, as well as five other areas, with Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a further 120-150mm of rain on Thursday, and potentially up to 200m in the Hawkesbury region.

River flooding has been highlighted as a particular risk in Sydney and several other regions. People living in these areas have been warned to be ready to evacuate.

The bureau said the weather front would drift south-west on Wednesday, "rapidly deepening in response". It is forecast to reach central and southeastern districts of the state late on Wednesday and into Thursday.