Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:34 pm Wednesday, 21 May 2025.

HEAVY TO LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL CONTINUING ABOUT THE MID NORTH COAST AND NORTHERN RIVERS.

Weather Situation: A coastal trough situated to the north of Coffs Harbour will remain stationary for the rest of Wednesday. A persistent and very moist onshore flow to the south of the trough continues to cause widespread areas of rain across the region, with embedded heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. Areas of heavy rainfall are expected to persist into Thursday as a low pressure system develops within the trough as it slowly moves southwards.

Prolonged moderate rainfall with isolated areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue over northeastern parts of the state for the remainder of today and during Thursday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 100 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are likely.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible for parts of the Mid North Coast district and adjacent Northern Tablelands later this evening and during Thursday. This includes Kempsey, and coastal areas around Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Heads. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 200 and 300 mm are possible.

HEAVY RAINFALL is likely to slowly contract south, clearing the Northern Rivers during Thursday morning, and the Mid North Coast and Hunter districts later Thursday and during Friday.

A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for multiple catchments. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.

Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Yamba, Maclean, Woolgoolga, Sawtell, Dorrigo, Wingham and Yarrowitch.

Significant rainfall observations between 9am and 4pm on Wednesday include:

140.0 mm recorded at Moparrabah (Parrabel Creek)

109.0 mm recorded at Bellingen

97.5 mm recorded a Kookaburra School Hut

90.0 mm recorded at Mt Seaview

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.
* 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.