Traffic chaos as thousands flee NSW South Coast

The Rural Fire Service on Thursday ordered visitors to leave the South Coast ahead of forecast extreme fire conditions on Saturday, which are predicted to be as bad, if not worse, than on New Year's Eve.

Motorists queueing to leave had to sleep in their cars and on the side of the road as their attempts to leave the region were forced to a standstill.

On Friday morning, traffic was flowing again from Milton and Ulladulla to Nowra.

But holidaymakers came to a complete stop at Ulladulla about 11pm on Thursday as the highway remained closed.

Motorists queueing to get through the Milton roadblock had earlier moved slowly up the highway, while others gave up and turned back towards Batemans Bay.

As cars waited in a long line stretching back kilometres south from Ulladulla, some trying to leave decided to settle in for the night at about 10pm.

A resident walked along the long line of cars backed up, offering motorists the use of a shower and toilet if they needed.

A tow truck arrived from Batemans Bay to collect a broken down car and trailer carrying dogs.

Holidaymakers stopped from leaving the coast set up blow-up mattresses at the side of the road at 10pm and slept.

An hour later there was no indication the highway would re-open soon and the traffic was at a standstill.

Motorists turned their engines off and the highway resembled a long, dark car park. Some expressed frustration they had been told to leave but were now stopped.

Some slept on the grass in clothes they had worn that day, while others slept in their cars.

At 2am the queue of traffic remained at a complete standstill through Ulladulla, where the Princes Highway remained clogged.

On Friday morning, traffic was flowing again from Milton and Ulladulla to Nowra.

NSW Police was telling visitors that it wasn't too late to leave the coast.

"I cannot stress enough how important it is for anyone who doesn't need to be in these areas to get out as soon as possible," state emergency operations controller deputy commissioner Gary Worboys said.

"Given the large number of people making their way out, significant delays are expected, meaning it will take a lot longer to get home than usual, which means you need to make sure you have plenty of fuel, a fully-charged mobile phone, snacks, and water.

"I'll also reiterate that that your usual travel route may not be safe or accessible - or roads could close at short notice - so, check road closure information and keep checking them along the way."

Acting ACT Chief Minister Yvette Berry said the ACT government was providing support for those impacted by the fires, including establishing driver reviver stops and ensuring supplies of P2 face masks for people who needed them.

A Relief Centre has also been set up at Dickson College for those escaping the fires.

Stay up to date on bush fires in your area by checking the NSW RFS website, listening to your local radio station, or by calling the NSW RFS Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.

- with Dan Jervis-Bardy