Source: Bureau of Meteorology

Initial Flood Watch for the Hunter and parts of the Mid North Coast

Issued at 2:03 pm AEST on Tuesday 26 May 2026

Flood Watch Number: 1

MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE FOR THE HUNTER AND PARTS OF THE MID NORTH COAST FROM OVERNIGHT THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY

A broad trough over northern and eastern NSW is expected to generate widespread moderate rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few days. A low within the trough is expected to result in heavy rainfall for parts of the Hunter and southern parts of the Mid North Coast from late Thursday.

Minor flooding may develop from overnight Thursday into Friday along the Paterson and Williams Rivers. Minor flooding is possible along the Manning and Gloucester, Goulburn and Hunter Rivers and Wollombi Brook from Friday. Uncertainty remains in the location of the heaviest falls, and the Flood Watch area will be revised over the coming days.

Catchments in the flood watch area are moderately wet.

Flood classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Manning and Gloucester Rivers
Minor flooding

Goulburn and Upper Hunter Rivers
Minor flooding

Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River
Minor flooding

Paterson and Williams Rivers
Minor flooding

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
Safety Advice:

Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Rainfall and River Conditions Map