Source: Bureau of Meteorology

This Flood Watch provides early advice of possible flooding within the specified catchments
Initial Flood Watch for parts of the Mid North Coast and North West Slopes

Issued at 1:36 pm AEST on Monday 18 August 2025

Flood Watch Number: 1

MINOR TO MODERATE FLOODING POSSIBLE IN THE FLOOD WATCH AREA FROM LATE WEDNESDAY INTO THURSDAY

Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across parts of the Mid North Coast on Wednesday and Thursday, with the potential to extend into the North West Slopes. This rainfall may lead to minor to moderate flooding along the Orara, Bellinger, Nambucca, Macleay and Hastings Rivers from late Wednesday into Thursday.

Recent rainfall has left the Peel and Namoi catchments saturated, increasing the risk of flooding. There is a potential for moderate flooding to develop along the Peel and Namoi Rivers during Thursday.

There is some degree of uncertainty over the exact location and timing of the heaviest falls. Localised river level rises and flash flooding are likely within the areas of heaviest rainfall.

Flood Classes (minor, moderate and major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

Catchments likely to be affected include:
Orara River
Minor to Moderate flooding

Coffs Coast

Bellinger and Kalang Rivers
Minor to Moderate flooding

Nambucca River
Minor to Moderate flooding

Macleay River
Minor flooding

Hastings River
Minor flooding

Peel River
Moderate flooding

Namoi River
Moderate flooding

Flood warnings are current for the Lower Namoi River and Barwon River.

For the latest flood and weather warnings see http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings

For the latest rainfall and river level information see http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
Safety Advice:

Don't drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don't drive on flooded roads.
Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Rainfall and River Conditions Map