The northern coastline of New South Wales is currently enduring a period of exceptionally severe weather, prompting urgent warnings of potentially life-threatening flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has reported widespread and intense rainfall across the region, with significant accumulations recorded since 9 am yesterday. Specifically, the northern Hunter region and the Mid North Coast have experienced substantial downpours, ranging from 150mm to 250mm.
Certain areas have been particularly inundated. Taree, for example, has received an unprecedented 267mm of rain, making it the highest total so far. Mount Barrington and Port Macquarie have also been severely affected, recording 232mm and 256 mm, respectively, underscoring the intensity of the current weather system. The BoM forecasts a continuation of these severe conditions throughout today, with heavy rainfall and localized thunderstorms expected to intensify and expand across the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions, potentially extending southward to areas below Coffs Harbour.
While the northern parts of the coast are bearing the brunt of the storm, other coastal areas can anticipate more isolated showers. Within the broader Sydney metropolitan area, the northern suburbs are projected to experience the most significant impact from the inclement weather. A critical warning has been issued by the BoM concerning the stretch between Seal Rocks and Nambucca Heads, where the risk of life-threatening flash flooding is particularly high. In addition to these dangers, the prevailing “really dangerous” beach conditions along the entire coastline pose a significant hazard to anyone near the water.
The escalating weather emergency has necessitated immediate and decisive action from emergency services and educational authorities. Late last night, the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) issued a vital “stay indoors” alert. This directive was specifically for residents in Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Gloucester, Forster, Seal Rocks, Barrington Tops, Wingham, and Yarrowitch, in response to the intense rain and damaging winds battering these localities.
Furthermore, multiple “watch and act” flood warnings have been disseminated across the Hunter, Mid North Coast, and Coffs Coast regions, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for rapidly changing conditions. The immediate consequences of the severe weather are already evident, with widespread road flooding reported. The storm has led to considerable disruption, including the cancellation of dozens of flights at Newcastle Airport on Monday, significantly impacting travel across large sections of the state’s north. Visual accounts from Beresfield, for instance, depict traffic at a complete standstill due to impassable, waterlogged roads.
In a proactive measure to safeguard students and staff, the NSW Department of Education has announced the temporary closure of 31 state schools and four independent schools today. These closures affect educational institutions situated within the Mid North Coast, Central Coast, and Hunter regions, all of which are directly impacted by the extensive flooding. As the powerful weather system continues its trajectory, even Sydney has received advisories to anticipate the onset of wet weather, highlighting the extensive reach of this significant meteorological event. Authorities continue to advise the public strongly to closely monitor official warnings and prioritize their safety above all else.
