Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:40 pm Friday, 27 September 2024.

Damaging winds to develop about the northeast coast and Border Ranges later this evening, easing late Saturday.

Weather situation: A low pressure system developing offshore of the northeast coast will track close to the coast overnight, generating a vigorous south to southeasterly flow along the coast and into the Border Ranges. Winds will increase overnight Friday into Saturday morning, before easing into Saturday evening as the low is forecast to move further offshore.

DAMAGING SOUTH TO SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h are expected to develop along the northeast coast overnight tonight into Saturday morning, with peak gusts of around 90 km/h expected in these coastal parts as well as along the Border Ranges.

Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds by the late afternoon and early evening of Saturday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to accompany this system, and a Flood Watch is current for parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers districts. The latest watches and warnings for NSW can be found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Ballina, Yamba, Woolgoolga and Sawtell.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.