Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:47 am Wednesday, 30 March 2022.

HEAVY RAINFALL AND THUNDERSTORMS WITH LOCALLY INTENSE FALLS LEADING TO LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING OVER NE NSW DURING WEDNESDAY

Weather Situation: A low pressure system and an associated coastal trough near the northeast NSW coast is causing heavy rainfall in the region, with locally intense falls within embedded thunderstorms. The low is currently close to the coast and is expected to gradually move further offshore today, slowly contracting the areas of heavy rainfall further south.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is forecast over parts of the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Hunter Districts. Six-hourly rainfall totals between 80 to 140 mm are possible. Rainfall rates have currently eased over some areas within the warning, however HEAVY RAINFALL may redevelop later today within the warning area, particularly with thunderstorms.

Locally INTENSE RAINFALL leading to DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING FLASH FLOODING is becoming less likely but is still possible with thunderstorms with six-hourly rainfall totals reaching up to 200mm.

HEAVY and LOCALLY INTENSE rainfall is expected to contract to coastal areas of the Mid North Coast districts later today and extend to parts of the Hunter coast.

DAMAGING WIND GUSTS with peak gusts of around 90km/h are possible about coastal areas.

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.

Severe weather is no longer occurring in the Northern Tablelands district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED.

24hrs rainfall totals to 9am Wednesday:

Alstonville 431mm

Tuckmobil 352mm

Bellingen 335mm

Tuckurimba 330mm

Dorrigo (Mountain Top) 320mm

Byron Bay 282mm

Ballina Airport 282mm

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.