Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:49 am Wednesday, 21 May 2025.

HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL CONTINUING ABOUT THE MID NORTH COAST AND PUSHING INTO THE NORTHERN RIVERS.

Weather Situation: A coastal trough situated just north of Coffs Harbour will track slowly northwards into southern parts of the Northern Rivers district during Wednesday. A persistent and very moist onshore flow to the south of this trough will continue to trigger widespread areas of rain across the region, with embedded heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms. Areas of heavy rainfall are expected to persist into Thursday as the trough moves to the south once more.

Prolonged moderate rainfall with isolated areas of HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast to continue for parts of the Mid North Coast, northern Hunter, and adjacent parts of the Northern Tablelands districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 and 100 mm are likely. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are likely. Moderate to HEAVY RAINFALL is forecast to gradually shift further north into southern parts of the Northern Rivers district by this afternoon.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL which may lead to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is also possible for elevated inland parts of the Mid North Coast district north of about South West Rocks, more likely from this evening and into Thursday morning. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 and 150 mm are possible. 24-hourly rainfall totals between 200 and 300 mm are possible.

A Flood Watch and various Flood Warnings are current for multiple catchments. Please refer to http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.

Locations which may be affected include Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Sawtell and Dorrigo.

Significant rainfall observations since 9am Tuesday include:

244 mm at Moppy Lookout (Barrington Tops), including 76 mm in the 6 hours to 12:30am.

235 mm at Mooral Creek,

227 mm at Comboyne Public School

199 mm at Kooroowi.

109 mm was recorded at Moparrabah in 6 hours to 8:41 pm.

118 mm was recorded at Mount Seaview in the 6 hours to 7:30 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.
* 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.