NSW SES crews are on high alert and forecasters have warned parts of the state could see a month's worth of rain fall before the end of the week as multiple weather systems are expected to converge over the coming hours and days.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Forecasters for the Bureau of Meteorology are tracking a line of storms moving toward parts of the Upper- and Lower Hunter as moisture from the tropics meets a low pressure system moving across NSW, expected to bring heavy rain to the region on Wednesday and into the coming days.
Though less than one millimetre of rain fell over parts of the Lower Hunter on Wednesday morning, forecasters say a second low pressure trough moving up from South Australia, expected to reach the Hunter tomorrow, could bring heavy rain and damaging winds to the region as the wet weather ramps up again toward the end of the week.
There was a very high chance of showers and possible thunderstorms, particularly across the Upper Hunter Wednesday afternoon forecasters have said, as storm fronts move from Mudgee across much of the Central Coast and into the Hunter.
Meanwhile, senior meteorologist Jane Golding said some areas of the state could receive a month's worth of rain before the end of the week.
"We're seeing rainfall records broken that we haven't seen in 10 years ... over the course of three days many locations will exceed what they'd usually see in November," Ms Golding said on Wednesday.
"The other feature is that it's being followed by some really cold air, some really gusty winds and some really unseasonable snow to some low levels in the south."
The Bureau has warned moderate to major floods are likely around the Northern Slopes, with the Upper Macintyre, Gwydir, Peel, Namoi, Macquarie, Bell, Lachlan and Belubula rivers likely to flood.
SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said the service had gone into a "heightened state of readiness" and extra resources were being deployed to flood-prone areas.
A severe weather warning has been issued for parts of the Hunter, Central Tablelands and Sydney, among other regions, for severe thunderstorms producing heavy rain and possible flash flooding, damaging winds and the potential for hail over the next several hours.
SES deputy zone commander for the Hunter Joanna Jones said crews across the region were closely monitoring the unfolding weather situation and were prepared for heavy rainfalls and the potential for flash flooding.
Ms Jones urged residents to secure outdoor furniture and trampolines, and to move cars undercover to avoid damage from possible hail, and to avoid floodwaters for their own safety.
The details of this report are developing. It will be updated.
-- with reporting from AAP
IN THE NEWS:
- Hunter joins the space race
- 46 new cases of COVID-19 reported by local health district
- Hunter taskforce floats hydrogen energy strategy after Scott Morrison visit
- GP Access After Hours may face more funding cuts
- Police charge two over obstructed coal rail lines in the Hunter
- Rapinoe and Morgan left out of new-look US football team to play the Matildas
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News