Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Mid North Coast and Hunter Forecast Districts.

Issued at 1:40 am Sunday, 27 April 2025.

Areas of heavy rain developing about the southern Mid North Coast and eastern Hunter this morning. Damaging winds possible about parts of the exposed coast from this afternoon.

Weather Situation: An upper level low over central inland NSW will move eastwards towards the coast today. A low pressure system near the Mid North Coast is expected to move southwards along the coastline through today, while gradually deepening. The development of the low will enhance the moist and unstable onshore flow, supporting bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Winds will also strengthen around the exposed coast from this afternoon as the low deepens. The low is expected to begin moving slowly eastwards taking it further offshore from this afternoon and evening.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is expected about the southern Mid North Coast in the next few hours, and is likely to shift southwards to the Hunter later this morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 75 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated falls of 140 mm possible. These conditions are expected to ease during Sunday afternoon.

South to southeasterly winds with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS and peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible about the coast of the northern Hunter and southern Mid North Coast from Sunday mid-afternoon into the evening, before easing later in the evening.

A Flood Watch and several Flood Warnings are current over the area, for further details see http:/www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings

Locations which may be affected include Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Newcastle, Gosford, Cessnock, Maitland, Dungog and Kulnura.

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.