Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 12:22 pm Saturday, 2 August 2025.

Damaging winds have developed over Cabramurra, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall also impacting central and northern parts of eastern NSW today.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system and coastal trough currently located offshore of Coffs Harbour is forecast to deepen later this morning before tracking west over land during the late afternoon. This system will bring a strong east to southeasterly flow on its southern and southwestern flanks. A second low pressure system will then develop and rapidly deepen offshore of the NSW and Queensland border on Sunday afternoon.

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 of the warning area in the next hour or two. Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds by late tonight.

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 this afternoon, continuing overnight, before easing early Sunday morning.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is also forecast about coastal and inland parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands from this afternoon. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 90 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 by early Sunday morning.

For the SNOWY MOUNTAINS: Southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts of around 100 km/h are possible over alpine areas above 1400 metres this afternoon, easing by the evening.

On Sunday afternoon DAMAGING WINDS may redevelop over coastal parts of the Mid North Coast, and possibly further north, as the second low pressure system moves closer to the northern NSW coastline.

Flood Watches and various Flood Warnings are current for eastern catchments and a Coastal Hazard Warning is also current. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

Locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Taree, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Scone, Kempsey, Maitland, Sawtell, Dorrigo and Cabramurra.

Sustained 68 km/h winds were recorded at Cabramurra around 12:00 pm, with a 93 km/h wind gust at 12:02 pm.

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.