UPDATED TUESDAY 12.30PM:
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A severe weather warning remains in place for Newcastle and coastal areas of the Hunter.
Heavy rain, likely leading to flash flooding, presents a serious risk to areas of the northeast and south east of the state today. Districts of the Northern Tablelands, Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast will begin to see an easing trend in showers and rain into Tuesday afternoon. However the southern ranges, coast and Snowy Mountains will see development of heavy rain today as the low pressure system in the west moves towards the region. Due to extensive flooding across the east, localised moderate rainfall may also bring the risk of flash flooding, and in some areas, heavy rain and flooding may be 'life-threatening'.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible along the coastal fringe south of Seal Rocks from late this morning or early this afternoon. Winds should gradually ease much of the coast this evening, but the damaging winds may still remain along the South Coast overnight due to the low pressure system in the region.
Damaging surf, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is likely for areas of the coastline south of Moruya from this afternoon, as strong northeasterly winds build over the waters. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
Abnormally high tides which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas south of Moruya are also possible. Water levels could exceed the highest tide of the year during Tuesday morning's high tide as a storm surge moves into coastal areas.
Roads in some areas are cut off by water, and there is an increased risk of landslips during this period. In addition, super-saturated soil along areas of the east bring an increased risk of moderately gusty winds toppling trees.
River catchments in this area are wet, bringing an enhanced risk of renewed riverline flooding. Numerous flood watches and warnings are current. Latest updates at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.
Widespread rainfall may also lead to riverline flooding, and a Flood Watch is current for catchments on the western slopes.
Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Armidale, Canberra and Goulburn.
Rainfall to 9am Tuesday:
Caroda Hill 150.4mm
Moree AP 150mm
Chillingham 132mm
Gravesent 130mm
Limpinwood 126mm
Rainfall observations to 9am Monday:
Minnie Water Pump Shed 256mm
Nambucca Heads 245mm
Yarras Mountain 209mm
Mount Seaview 203mm
Houghlahan's Creek 193mm
Nashua (Wilsons River) 198mm
Alstonville 187.8mm
Coffs Harbour 183mm
Woolgoolga 182mm
UPDATED TUESDAY 7AM:
A WARNING has been released for heavy rain, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf on Tuesday.
A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea is slowly moving east whilst a low pressure trough in the state's northwest is deepening to form a low pressure system and heading southeast, bringing rain to the north and east. Heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the east today, together with strong winds, damaging surf and abnormally high tides along the coast, but the areas of heavy rainfall will contract to the South Coast and far northeast by the end of Tuesday or early Wednesday as the low pressure system heads off to the South Coast and a drier airmass follows in the wake.
Heavy rain, likely leading to flash flooding, presents a serious risk to the whole northern and central coastal districts today, particularly in the Lower Hunter. Due to extensive flooding across the east, localised moderate rainfall may also bring the risk of flash flooding, and in some areas, heavy rain and flooding may be 'life-threatening'.The heavy rain along the central coastal districts including Sydney Metro, Lower Hunter and Illawarra is expected to ease during the latter part of today as the rainband contracts to the north and south.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible along the coastal fringe south of Seal Rocks from late this morning or early this afternoon. Localised damaging wind gusts are also possible with thunderstorm activity. Winds should gradually ease much of the coast this evening, but the damaging winds may still remain along the South Coast overnight due to the low pressure system in the region.
Damaging surf, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is likely for areas of the coastline south of Moruya from this afternoon, as strong northeasterly winds build over the waters. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
Abnormaly high tides which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas south of Moruya are also possible. Water levels could exceed the highest tide of the year during Tuesday morning's high tide as a storm surge moves into coastal areas.
Roads in some areas are cut off by water, and there is an increased risk of landslips during this period. In addition, super-saturated soil along areas of the east bring an increased risk of moderately gusty winds toppling trees.
River catchments in this area are wet, bringing an enhanced risk of renewed riverline flooding. Numerous flood watches and warnings are current. Latest updates at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.
UPDATED MONDAY 1PM:
NEWCASTLE and the Hunter has been included in the latest severe weather warning for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally high tides and dangerous surf.
A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea continues to drive widespread and persistent rain onto the New South Wales coast. This is expected to continue today, particularly about the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.
Meanwhile, a low pressure trough in the state's west is deepening, bringing rain areas to the northern inland today. In this area, heavy rain is possible from the morning, becoming more likely in the afternoon and evening, extending to areas of the southeast over Tuesday. On Tuesday, as the trough reaches the Tasman Sea, a low pressure system may form, bringing increased rainfall, strong winds, damaging surf and abnormally high tides to the east and south.
Most areas of New South Wales will see a clearing trend early Wednesday as a drier airmass moves into the region.
Heavy rain, likely leading to flash flooding, presents a serious risk to the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast today and on Tuesday. Some risk remains for the Hunter and Central Tablelands districts during this period, particularly given the saturated nature of catchments. Due to extensive flooding across the east, localised moderate rainfall may also bring the risk of flash flooding. In some areas, heavy rain and flooding may be 'life-threatening'.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible along the coastal fringe south of Seal Rocks from Tuesday morning.
Very heavy surf, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is likely for areas of the coastline south of Moruya from Tuesday afternoon, as strong northeasterly winds build over the waters. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
Abnormally high tides which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas south of Moruya are also possible. Water levels could exceed the highest tide of the year during Tuesday morning's high tide as a storm surge moves into coastal areas.
Roads in some areas are cut off by water, and there is an increased risk of landslips during this period. In addition, super-saturated soils along areas of the east bring an increased risk of moderately gusty winds toppling trees.
River catchments in this area are wet, bringing an enhanced risk of renewed riverline flooding. Numerous flood watches and warnings are current. Latest updates at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.
Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Armidale, Orange, Canberra, Goulburn, Tamworth, Moree, Dubbo, Tibooburra, Cobar and Bourke.
Rainfall observations to 9am Monday include:
Minnie Water Pump Shed 256mm
Nambucca Heads 245mm
Yarras Mountain 209mm
Mount Seaview 203mm
Houghlahan's Creek 193mm
Nashua (Wilsons River) 198mm
Altonville 187.8mm
Coffs Harbour 183mm
Woolgoolga 182mm
UPDATED MONDAY 10AM:
A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea continues to drive widespread and persistent rain onto the New South Wales coast. This is expected to continue today, particularly about the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.
Meanwhile, a low pressure trough in the state's west is deepening, bringing rain areas to the northern inland today. In this area, heavy rain is possible from the morning, becoming more likely in the afternoon and evening, and then possibly spread southeast overnight. On Tuesday, as the trough reaches the Tasman Sea, a low pressure system may form, bringing increased rainfall and strong winds to the southeast..
Most areas of New South Wales will see a clearing trend later Tuesday or early Wednesday as a drier airmass moves into the region.
EASTERN AREAS:
Heavy rain, likely leading to flash flooding, presents a serious risk to the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast today and on Tuesday. Some risk remains for the Hunter and Central Tablelands districts during this period, particularly given the saturated nature of catchments. In some areas, heavy rain and flooding may be 'life-threatening'.
Roads are likely to be cut off by water, and there is an increased risk of landslips during this period.
River catchments in this area are wet, bringing an enhanced risk of renewed RIVERINE FLOODING. Numerous flood watches and warnings are current. Latest updates at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.
WESTERN AREAS:
Heavy rain, likely leading to flash flooding, is forecast to develop in parts of the Upper Western, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, and Central West Slopes and Plains forecast districts from this morning, becoming more likely in the afternoon and evening. There is an enhanced risk with any thunderstorm activity.
Widespread rainfall may lead to riverline flooding, and a Flood Watch is current for catchments on the western slopes.
Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Katoomba, Tamworth, Dubbo, Tibooburra, Cobar and Bourke.
Rainfall observations from 9am Sunday to 4am Monday include:
Minnie Water Pump Shed 241mm
Yarras Mountain 202mm
Houghlahan's Creek 181mm
Nashua (Wilsons River) 180mm
Kempsey Airport AWS 173mm
Alstonville STP 173mm
Mt Seaview 173mm
Wooli (Sportsground) 171mm
UPDATED 5PM:
A strong high pressure system over the southern Tasman Sea continues to drive widespread and persistent rain onto the New South Wales coast. This is expected to continue tonight and through Monday.
Meanwhile a low pressure trough in the state's west is set to deepen overnight, bringing rain areas to the northern inland during Monday. In this area, heavy rain is possible from the morning, becoming more likely in the afternoon and evening.
Most areas of NSW will see a clearing trend later Tuesday or early Wednesday as a drier airmass moves into the region.
EASTERN AREAS: Heavy rain, likely leading to flash flooding, presents a serious risk to the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, and Central Tablelands districts tonight and Monday. In some areas, heavy rain and flooding may be 'life-threatening'.
Roads are likely to be cut off by water, and there is an increased risk of landslips during this period.
River catchments in this area are relatively wet, bringing an enhanced risk of riverline flooding. Numerous flood watches and warnings are current. Latest updates at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.
UPDATED 11AM: VERY heavy rainfall, likely leading to flash flooding, presents a serious risk to the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra, and Central Tablelands districts. In some areas, heavy rain and flooding may be "life-threatening".
The areas most likely to see heavy falls in the next 6-12 hours are the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, and eastern parts of the Central Tablelands districts.
Roads are likely to be cut off by water, and there will is an increased risk of landslips during this period.
River catchments are relatively wet, bringing an enhanced risk of RIVERINE FLOODING. Numerous flood watches and warnings are current. Latest updates at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.
Damaging winds, averaging 60 to 70 km/h with gusts exceeding 90 km/h, are possible for parts of the southern ranges and ACT above 1200 metres today, easing during the evening. Locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Katoomba and Wollongong.
Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Northern Tablelands district and the warning for this district is cancelled.
Rainfall observations for 24 hours up to 9am Sunday include:
- 249mm Comboyne Public School
- 198mm Picton (Stonequarry Creek)
- 186mm Koree Island
- 180mm Oakdale
- 177mm Palm Grove
- 168mm Katoomba
- 157mm Warragamba
- 150mm Toukley
- 144mm Faulconbridge
- 129mm Taree
- 120mm Gosford
- 120mm Hornsby
- 110mm Sydney (Observatory Hill)
INITIAL WARNING 7AM: AFTER a night of heavy rain and flooding in the Hunter, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a new severe weather warning for Sunday.
A low pressure trough lying along the New South Wales coast is generating widespread and persistent rain in many eastern districts, along with windy conditions. This trough, in conjunction with a strong high to the south, is also bringing windy weather to higher parts of the southern ranges.
Most parts of the warning area, including Newcastle and the Hunter, will see the heaviest rain during the next 12 to 18 hours, however some places may continue to experience periods of heavy rain through to Monday or Tuesday.
Very heavy rainfall, likely leading to flash flooding, presents a serious risk to the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra, and Central Tablelands districts. In some areas, heavy rain and flooding may be 'life-threatening'.
Roads are likely to be cut off by water, and there will be an increased risk of landslips during this period.
River catchments are relatively wet, bringing an enhanced risk of riverline flooding. Numerous flood watches and warnings are current. Latest updates at http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/.
Rainfall observations across the state for 24 hours up to 9am Saturday include:
- Delward 405.5mm
- Redoak 371mm
- Logans Crossing 362mm
- Upper Rollands Plains 261.4mm
- Koree Island 298.4mm
- Kindee Bridge 283
- Wauchope 280.8mm
- Mt Seaview 272mm
- Bowraville 211mm
Rainfall observations from 9am Saturday to 4am Sunday include:
- 159mm Stonequarry Ck at Picton
- 143 Oakdale
- 128mm Mongarlowe
- 128mm Warragamba
- 128mm Comboyne Public School
- 124mm Upper Rollands Plains
- 123mm Redoak
- 119mm Erina Heights
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* 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.
* 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.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 11am.
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