The NSW SES has received more than 1,405 calls for assistance in the 24 hours to 5am Tuesday with heavy rainfall and damaging winds impacting the Hunter, Mid North Coast, Northwest Slopes and Plains, and Northern Tablelands.
There have been 22 flood rescues overnight, all of them in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions.
As rainfall escalated overnight Emergency Warnings were issued asking people to evacuate in Dungog, parts of Paterson, Gloucester Holiday Park, parts of Bulahdelah and Ferndale Caravan Park on Chichester Dam.
In Taree, about 160mm of rainfall was recorded in just 6 hours overnight, causing significant sudden-onset flash flooding. An Emergency Warning was issued but has since been downgraded.
There’s also 14 Watch and Act level warnings and 36 Advice level warnings currently in place for flooding on catchments across the Mid North Coast and Hunter.
The severe weather will linger along the coast for several days, with widespread 24-hour rainfall totals of up to 130mm possible in some areas. Isolated falls of up to 180mm in 24-hours are forecast and could cause significant flash flooding.
Rivers and creeks are already responding quickly to renewed rainfall, as catchments remain saturated. Major flooding is occurring on the Paterson, Gloucester and Wiliams Rivers.
Check the official warnings on the NSW SES website or Hazards Near Me app for exact locations and maps.
Operational Statistics:
Total incidents across NSW during this weather event: 2,251
- Total flood rescues: 31
- Incidents in the last 24 hours: 1,405
- Flood rescues in the last 24 hours: 22
Safety messages:
- Stay up to date and stay alert – download the Hazards Near Me app or visit the NSW SES website.
- Flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning. Monitor rainfall in your area and avoid travelling during heavy rain.
- Riverine flooding is also likely in several coastal areas where catchments are already wet, and rises may rise more quickly than during previous weather events.
- People should not drive, walk or play in floodwaters. If you come across a flooded road, stop and find an alternative route.
- Check Live Traffic before embarking on any travel as roads may be damaged and closed as result of the rain.
- Secure loose items around your yard. Park vehicles away from trees and powerlines.
- Coastal erosion can happen rapidly, potentially causing damage and putting people, properties, and infrastructure in danger. Stay away from exposed beaches.
- For assistance in floods and storms, contact NSW SES on 132 500. If it's life-threatening call triple zero (000).
- The NSW SES is well prepared to respond to this event, with additional flood rescue teams, aviation assets and volunteers well positioned to respond to any request for assistance.
- The NSW SES has created a dedicated website landing page for the Northern NSW Severe Weather event for all information and advice. Visit https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/severe-weather-update