Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 1:17 pm Sunday, 31 December 2023.
INTENSE RAINFALL OCCURING IN THE COFFS HARBOUR AREA.

Weather Situation: Converging easterly winds along the coast are creating slow moving heavy showers and thunderstorms to accumulate rainfall this afternoon.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce INTENSE rainfall that may lead to DANGEROUS and LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING over the next several hours in parts of the Mid North Coast district. Locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Urunga and Bellingen.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers districts. Locations which may be affected include Wooli and Woolgoolga.

Coffs Harbour Airport recorded 75.4 mm in the 60 minutes to 1:10pm.

Coffs Harbour (Industrial Drive) recorded 54 mm in the 30 minutes to 12:45 pm.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water.
* 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.
* Unplug computers and appliances.
* Avoid using the phone during the storm.
* Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the SES (NSW and ACT) on 132 500.