South coast areas declared disaster zones

Natural disaster declarations have been made for areas on the NSW south coast after heavy flooding in the area, Premier Kristina Keneally says.

The declarations were made for the towns of Shellharbour, Kiama, Bega and Bombala, all in the Illawarra.

"We don't have a clear sense of the total level of damage yet, but in those four areas, they clearly met the threshold level for financial disaster," she told reporters on Tuesday while passing through western Sydney en-route to the Illawarra.

To meet the threshold, the cost of the damage caused must be more than $240,000.

Early estimates put the damage bill in the areas in the millions of dollars.

"Essentially there's a range of measures this now triggers in terms of support," Ms Keneally said.

Those affected will have access to personal hardship and distress assistance grants through the Department of Community Services.

Loans at a concessional interest rate will be offered to small businesses and assistance for councils, sporting clubs, non-profit organisations and churches.

Ms Keneally said the situation was being monitored closely and declarations may yet be made for other towns.

About 280mm of rain fell across the Illawarra on Monday.

There was also rainfall of 380mm in parts of the Bega Valley overnight.

The SES had evacuated residents from Windang and Bombala caravan parks, as well as nine properties near Jerrara Dam and two Bega properties.

There have been 40 flood rescues, including one on Monday for children at a childcare centre in Jamberoo.

Ms Keneally cut short her visit to the Hunter Valley on Tuesday and travelled to the Illawarra.

Later on Tuesday she will inspect storm damage in Barrack Heights near the Blackbutt Forest Reserve.

She will stay overnight and remain in the area on Wednesday.

Later, Ms Keneally's office advised she would go to Warilla to inspect storm damage, instead of Barrack Heights.