Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Rivers, North West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western Forecast Districts.

Issued at 6:56 pm Sunday, 31 December 2023.
INTENSE RAINFALL OCCURRING NORTH OF LISMORE.

Weather situation: Slow moving showers and thunderstorms are generating INTENSE rainfall across parts of the Northern Rivers this evening. An approaching upper trough from the south is generating isolated severe thunderstorms across the North West Slopes and Plains this evening.

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 Northern Rivers district. Locations which may be affected include Nimbin.

A broader Severe Weather Warning is also current for heavy rainfall across parts of the Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands. http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding and damaging winds over the next several hours in parts of the North West Slopes and Plains and Upper Western districts. Locations which may be affected include Narrabri, Mungindi, Wee Waa, Burren Junction and Collarenebri.

50 mm was recorded at Goolmangar in the 30 minutes to 6:39pm.
182.6 mm was recorded at Coffs Harbour Airport in the 3 hours to 2:27 pm (with 150.8 mm in 2 hours and 77 mm in 1 hour).
173 mm was recorded at Sawtell in the 3 hours to 2:25 pm (with 142.2 mm in 2 hours and 77 mm in 1 hour).
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move your car 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.
* 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.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* 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.