Flooding Eases in Bellinger, Develops in Hunter

The SES has received some 120 requests for assistance as a result of flooding and strong winds that have affected the New South Wales coast between the Queensland border and the Illawarra. The majority of these requests have been due to leaking roofs, localised flash flooding and damage caaused by falling trees and branches. The majority of requests for assistance have been completed.

On the Bellinger River flooding has eased overnight. Some 500 residents of the upper Bellinger Valley upstream of Thora in the Darkwood area remain isolated. These welfare of these residents is being monitored by the SES. The Waterfall Way between Armidale and the Pacific Highway via Dorrigo and Bellingen was closed Saturday morning. Motorists intending to use this route should call the RTA traffic information line on 131 700 for information on the road's status.

Minor flooding on the Orara and Hastings Rivers also is easing, with local rural inundation and road closures.

In the Hunter Moderate flooding is occuring on the Williams and Paterson Rivers. The floodwaters are expected to peak at Dungog near the Moderate Flood Level (7.6 metres) around noon Saturday.  

A severe weather warning is current for the Hunter and the Sydney Metropolitan with gale force southerly winds with mean speeds of 65 km/h and gusts in excess of 90 km/h expected along the Hunter coast for much of Saturday. Gale force winds are also possible for coastal Sydney today, and gale force southwesterly winds are expected to develop in southern coastal parts of the Mid North Coast during the afternoon.

Wind gusts over 90 km/h have been recorded this morning at Norah Head on the Central Coast, Nobby's Head at Newcastle and Wattamolla Beach in the Southern Metropolitan.

Moderate to heavy rain may leading to localised flooding in the Hunter district today, and further rain is expected for Sydney where a Road Weather Alert is current.

For help in life threatening emergencies, call 000. For help due to flooding or storm damage, call the SES on 132 500. 

Dangerous surf conditions are expected throughout Saturday.