On Saturday, those living in Nowra received text messages on their phones telling all residents between Nowra and Kiola east of the Prince Highway to seek shelter as the fire approached.

The closest evacuation centre was Bomaderry Bowling Club and it quickly filled up and second centre was opened at Northern Indoor Sports Centre on Cambewarra Road, which was equally full.

Kathy Sharpe, Group Editor at Australian Community Media and Terara resident said the level of fear among Nowra residents was high with many very concerned that property in North Nowra would be at risk.

She said: "Bomaderry Bowling Club filled up very quickly and then opened up the sporting centre. A friend who was there said people were distressed and crying. The number of people in those evacuation centres is indicative of how panicky people are."

For the time being it looks like the danger has passed Nowra, but residents are still on alert for spot fires due to the erratic wind.

Kathy said: "Everyone has been waiting all day for this sourtherly wind. When it came it came in very hard and quickly and the sky turned black. From where I am I can see the fire up the river, I can feel the thunder storm. There are black leaves falling. I can't imagine what it is like for people trying to fight that fire.

"Fortunately it does look like the danger has passed for Nowra itself thankfully. We just have to wait and see how towns down the South Coast have fared."

You can follow live updates on the Currowan fire here.