Source: Bureau of Meteorology

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

Issued at 10:45 am Saturday, 28 September 2024.

Damaging winds about the north coast and Border Ranges, easing late today.

Weather situation: A low pressure system will track close to the coast generating a vigorous south to southeasterly flow along the coast and into the Border Ranges. Winds will peak in the late afternoon, before easing tonight as the low is forecast to move further offshore.

DAMAGING SOUTH TO SOUTHEASTERLY WINDS averaging 60 to 70 km/h are expected to continue along the north coast, with peak gusts of around 90 km/h expected in these coastal parts as well as along the Border Ranges.

Winds are expected to ease below warning thresholds by early this evening.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to accompany this system. A Flood warning is current for the Bellinger River and a Flood Watch is current for parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers districts. The latest watches and warnings for NSW can be found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

A separate Coastal Hazard Warning for DAMAGING SURF is current for parts of Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast Forecast Districts.

Locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Ballina, Yamba, Woolgoolga and Sawtell.

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.
* 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.