Cloud and rain developed along the NSW coast this morning, but wilder weather is gearing up to lash the coast from Thursday night into Friday. Most people in eastern New South Wales woke up to the sound of rain this morning as a low pressure system dropped large amounts of moisture. The heaviest falls were near Canberra with Woolshed picking up 38mm by 9am. The nation's capital also received 23mm, while Burrill Lake, near Ulladulla, gained 35mm. Storms in the north also brought 35mm to Tenterfield. Rain will be steady in the state's southeast during the day before intensifying tonight with the addition of gale force winds for the coast. The wild weather is expected to ramp up tonight and tomorrow with the South Coast, Illawarra and Sydney coastlines likely to be hardest hit. Winds are a significant risk of gusting to 100km/h along the coast, which is strong enough to bring down trees and powerlines, particularly now that the ground is soggy. Many will find travelling to work cold and unpleasant in the driving rain. Commuters will need to take care while driving in the wild weather. The fierce weather will be due to a low pressure system that will intensify and move north along the New South Wales coast from tonight. On Friday afternoon the rain and wind will begin to ease, firstly in the south then in Sydney during the late afternoon. The weekend will be much more pleasant with only a few isolated showers along the coast that could dampen the mostly sunny days.