News

The Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers regions of New South Wales are currently experiencing heavy rain and storm conditions, with the weather expected to continue well into next week.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast heavy rainfall to start Saturday in the Mid North Coast area before extending to the Northern Rivers on Sunday. Widespread rainfall with localised heavy falls will continue
through to Monday with flash flooding and river rises throughout this time. Dangerous surf is also predicted.

Incident Controller for the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES), Chief Superintendent Steve Patterson, said a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, has
been issued for the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.

A flood watch is also current for a number of the rivers and coastal creeks in these areas, while a minor
flood warning has been issued for the Bellinger River at Thora..

“Riverine flooding is expected to occur along many of northern NSW river systems. Local creeks and streams are also likely to rise rapidly, possibly without much notice.

“Low lying areas such as tourist parks, public parks and caravan parks are likely to be impacted first,” Chief Supt. Patterson stressed.

“With school holidays already commencing in some schools across the state, and the Queensland border now open to travellers, we can expect an increase in traffic and holiday-makers across the region during
the next week.”

Chief Supt. Patterson added children on school holidays are warned not to play in or around storm water drains or causeways.

“We are urging those tourists who may either be staying in one of our great communities along the coast, or travelling through them en route to other destinations, to check conditions before leaving home for their
destination and have a plan should flooding occur.”

Chief Supt. Patterson said anyone planning on camping or caravanning in the northern coastal areas of NSW over the next few days is urged stay up-to-date with current warnings and advice from the NSW SES.

“Please keep an eye on the Northern Rivers SES and Mid North Coast SES Facebook pages for updates on the weather, or tune into your local ABC radio stations (which are our official emergency broadcasting
partners).

“If you are driving, we urge you never to attempt driving through floodwaters under any circumstances. The risk is simply not worth it.’

“It not only puts your life and the lives of your passengers at risk, but the lives of those who may be required to rescue you if it all goes pear-shaped,” he said.

For flood and storm assistance please call NSW SES on 132 500.

“If it is a life-threatening situation and you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call triple-zero (000) if you require rescue,” Chief Supt. Patterson concluded.