Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Mid North Coast, Hunter, North West Slopes and Plains, Northern Tablelands and Central Tablelands Forecast Districts.

Issued at 10:46 am Friday, 1 August 2025.

Damaging winds and heavy rainfall to impact central eastern NSW from Saturday afternoon.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system and coastal trough is forecast to develop off the northeast coast during Saturday before tracking west over land during the late afternoon. This system is bringing a strong east to southeasterly flow on its southern and southwestern flanks. A second low pressure system will develop offshore of the NSW and Queensland border on Sunday.

For COASTAL AREAS: Strong easterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are likely to develop about the coastal fringe from early Saturday afternoon. Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds late Saturday night.

For INLAND AREAS: Southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible over elevated areas from late Saturday afternoon, easing overnight. HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is also forecast about inland parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands from Saturday afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 50 and 80 mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 100 mm possible about elevated areas. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 75 and 90 mm are likely, with isolated totals up to 120 mm possible about elevated areas. Rainfall is likely to ease below warning thresholds early Sunday morning.

On Sunday, DAMAGING WINDS may also develop over the Northern Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast as the second low pressure system moves closer to the northern NSW coastline.

Flood Watches and Warnings are current for eastern catchments. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Port Macquarie, Taree, Scone, Comboyne, Nowendoc, Gloucester, Forster, Bulahdelah and Muswellbrook.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
* Trees that have been damaged by fire are likely to be more unstable and more likely to fall.
* Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.