Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:48 am Tuesday, 29 March 2022.

HEAVY RAINFALL AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH LOCALLY INTENSE FALLS LEADING TO LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING ARE POSSIBLE OVER NORTHEASTERN NEW SOUTH WALES TODAY AND TOMORROW

Weather Situation: A low pressure system will approach the northeast NSW coast during today and tomorrow, causing heavy rainfall in the region, and with locally intense falls within embedded thunderstorms.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast over parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands Districts during Tuesday. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 140 mm are possible, reaching up to 200 mm over coastal areas and ranges.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is possible with thunderstorms with six-hourly rainfall totals reaching up to 300mm.

HEAVY and LOCALLY INTENSE rainfall is expected to contract to coastal areas during Tuesday evening, then ease over the Northern Rivers district during Wednesday.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 90km/h are possible about coastal areas during Tuesday, becoming more likely during Wednesday.

A separate Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued if very dangerous thunderstorms with intense rainfall are detected.

Heavy rainfall increases the potential for landslides and debris across roads.

Flood Watches and Warnings are current for parts of northeast New South Wales. For more details, please visit www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings.

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

Rainfall reported to 9am:

Banora 283mm

Bilambil Heights 279mm

Tweed Heads 275mm

Tumbulgum 261mm

Kingscliff 259mm

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.