Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:49 pm Monday, 19 May 2025.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL AND DAMAGING WINDS CONTINUING ABOUT THE NORTHERN HUNTER AND THE MID NORTH COAST.

Weather Situation: A coastal trough currently positioned about the southern Mid North Coast is forecast to slowly track northwards into Tuesday, with heavy, locally intense rainfall and possible damaging winds expected on the southern side of the trough. Damaging winds are likely to ease during Tuesday, while heavy, locally intense rainfall may continue into Wednesday.

Prolonged moderate rainfall with isolated areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue for parts of the Mid North Coast, northern Hunter and adjacent parts of the North West Slopes & Plains and Northern Tablelands districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 100 mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 140 mm possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 90 and 130 mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 200 mm possible. Moderate to HEAVY RAINFALL is forecast to shift further north into the Mid North Coast on Tuesday, possibly continuing into Wednesday.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible with persistent heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms over coastal areas between Seal Rocks and Nambucca Heads, as well as inland elevated parts of the Mid North Coast district.

Southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible over coastal areas between Nelson Bay and Nambucca Heads for the remainder of today and into Tuesday. Damaging winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds by late Tuesday afternoon.

A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for multiple catchments. A separate warning for DAMAGING SURF is also current for the Hunter and Mid North Coast. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Taree, Wingham, Nelson Bay, Dungog and Yarrowitch.

130 mm of rainfall was recorded at Port Macquarie in the 6 hours to 3:40 pm.

70 km/h sustained winds were recorded at Norah Head around 10:00 am.

94 km/h wind gust was recorded at Nobby's Signal Station at 7:30 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.