Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 4:45 pm Saturday, 2 August 2025.

Damaging winds and heavy rainfall to impact central and northern parts of eastern NSW today and tomorrow.

Weather Situation: A low pressure system and coastal trough currently located around Port Macquarie is forecast to continue tracking southwest over the Mid North Coast this evening. This system will bring a strong east to southeasterly flow on its southern and southwestern flanks, before it weakens overnight tonight. A second low pressure system currently in the Coral Sea will then rapidly deepen offshore of the NSW and Queensland border on Sunday afternoon, bringing further strong south to southeastely flow over northeast NSW.

For AREAS SOUTH OF COFFS HARBOUR: Strong southeasterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible over the coastal fringe for the remainder of today. DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are also possible over elevated areas today. HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is also forecast about coastal and inland parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and southern parts of the Northern Tablelands for the remainder of today. 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. Winds and rainfall are forecast to ease below warning thresholds over coastal areas by late tonight, and over elevated areas by early Sunday morning.

For AREAS NORTH OF COFFS HARBOUR: Strong southerly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h are possible about the coastal fringe between Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads, and elevated parts of the Border Ranges, from mid-afternoon on Sunday. Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds by late Sunday night.

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 late evening.

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, Gosford, Port Macquarie, Scone, Kempsey, Maitland, Murwillumbah and Cabramurra.

102 km/h wind gust was recorded at Nobby's Signal Station at 4:19 pm.

95 km/h wind gust was recorded at Norah Head at 4:04 pm.

96 km/h wind gust was recorded at Kempsey Airport at 2:23 pm.

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.