On the 31 August 1996, an East Coast Low created a storm that was considered one of the most serious in the decade. Widespread damage from heavy rain and strong wind occurred, reaching storm force (averaging above 89 km per hour and peaking at 119 km per hour at Bellambi Point).

Wind gusts in excess of 93 km per hour were recorded at Norah Head, Fort Denison, Sydney Airport and Wollongong. The main Illawarra/South Coast rail line was cut, and rainfall totalled 386 mm at Darkes Forest, while Wollongong and Robertson both recorded 122 mm in 24 hours.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1996 damage at $10 million, with the 2017 estimated normalised cost of $38.9 million.