Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Mid North Coast and parts of Hunter, Metropolitan, Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:50 am Friday, 17 January 2025.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds developing today.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system has developed off of the northern NSW coast, resulting in rainfall about the Hunter and Mid North Coast as well as southerly winds along the coastal fringe from Sydney to Seal Rocks.

Locally strong to DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible on exposed parts of the coast from southern Sydney to Seal Rocks, particularly for parts of the coastline facing towards the south. Winds are expected to increase during Friday morning, peaking in the afternoon and easing below warning thresholds by early Saturday morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for the northern Hunter and Mid North Coast districts today, with the rain rates expected to begin to increase early this afternoon and continue through to tomorrow. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 70 and 120 mm remain possible through to Saturday evening, particularly on elevated terrain.

A separate Coastal Hazard Warning for Damaging Surf is current between the Illawarra and the Mid North Coast. Flood watches and warnings are also current. For all the latest warnings, please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/ for details.

Locations which may be affected include the coastal fringe of Sydney, The Entrance, Port Macquarie, Taree, Bulahdelah, Newcastle and Maitland.

91 km/h wind gust recorded at Sydney Airport at 9:51 am.

91 km/h wind gust recorded at Kurnell at 10:01 am.

104 km/h wind gust recorded at Molineux Point at 10:32 am.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.