Residents evacuate as rain batters NSW

Recent flooding in New South Wales. Photo / AAP

Dozens of homes are being evacuated as torrential rain batters the NSW south coast.

Around 200mm has drenched the south coast since 9am yesterday, causing flash floods and claiming the life of a 61-year-old man who police believe was swept into a stormwater drain at Warilla.

Emergency service workers have told the residents of up to 50 homes around Bega to head for higher ground as the Bega River floods.

The Princes Highway is closed in at least three places while the Monaro and Snowy Mountains have also been cut.

Police are urging people not to drive or walk through floodwaters and to always check the depth of water before driving through it.

Trains are suspended on the south coast Line between Unanderra and Bomaderry (Nowra) in both directions due to heavy rainfall and Transport NSW is unable to say when the line will be reopened.

"Engineers and repair crews are assessing damage to infrastructure (and) buses are in operation between Wollongong and Port Kembla and Unanderra and Bomaderry (Nowra) in both directions," a spokeswoman said.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts more wet weather for Sydney and the south and central coast before it clears tomorrow.

- AAP