Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:44 am Sunday, 18 May 2025.

Heavy rainfall and damaging winds to develop about the Hunter and Mid North Coast from Monday.

Weather Situation: A coastal trough is forecast to deepen and stall about the Mid North Coast and Hunter districts through Monday. Persistent moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in a moist onshore flow for the coming days.

Prolonged moderate rainfall with isolated areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast for parts of the Mid North Coast, Hunter and adjacent parts of the North West Slopes & Plains and Northern Tablelands districts during Monday, with the heaviest falls expected to develop from Monday afternoon and continuing into Tuesday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with isolated rainfall totals of 120 mm possible. 24-hourly totals between 70 and 130 mm are likely, with isolated rainfall totals of 180 mm possible.

Strong winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h, with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS around 90 km/h are possible over the coastal areas of the Hunter and Mid North Coast, and elevated terrain further inland, throughout Monday and into Tuesday Morning.

Flood watches are current for multiple catchments, and hazardous and damaging surf warnings are also current for parts of the state. For details, please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.

Locations which may be affected include Port Macquarie, Taree, Seal Rocks, Bulahdelah, Barrington Tops, Wingham, Nelson Bay, Dungog and Yarrowitch.

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.