Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

 
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Heavy rain causes flooding in coastal New South Wales

06/01/2016

A Severe Weather Warning remains in place today for parts of the Mid North Coast and Hunter with heavy rain expected to continue before easing this evening (Wednesday).

Bureau of Meteorology Acting New South Wales Regional Director, Mr Stephen Lellyett, said the conditions are being driven by a slow-moving low pressure system near Port Stephens.

“This weather system is producing heavy rain causing both riverine and flash flooding from the Central Coast to the Mid North Coast,” Mr Lellyett said.

Locations which may be affected include Newcastle, Gosford, Maitland, Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace, Wallsend, Toronto, Morisset, Wyong, The Entrance, Taree and Dungog.

“We have already seen falls in excess of 250mm near Bulahdelah, with further localised very heavy falls and dangerous flash flooding possible.

“Damaging winds are possible along the coast, with surf conditions expected to be dangerous,” Mr Lellyett said.

A Flood Watch remains current for the Lower Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lake.

A number of Flood Warnings have been issued, see the Bureau's website for the latest warnings.

“The low is expected to move slowly to the northeast during Wednesday afternoon with heavy rain extending to southern parts of the Mid North Coast, before easing later in the afternoon and evening.”

Mr Lellyett said that Sydney would be on the fringe of this weather system.

“Sydney can expect further rain periods on Wednesday before conditions slowly ease into the afternoon and evening,” he said.

Rainfall totals for the 24 hours to 9am Wednesday, 6 January include:

  • Bungwahl (near Bulahdelah) 255mm
  • Upper Chichester (near Barrington Tops) 239mm
  • Wallsend 230mm
  • Macquarie College 228mm
  • Merewether 225mm
  • Williamtown Airport 223mm
  • Nobbys Head 201mm
  • Dungog 188mm
  • Frenchs Forest 129mm

Newcastle (Nobbys Head) station recorded its wettest January day on record with 200.6mm rain falling in the 24 hours to 9am today (6 January). It is also the wettest day of any month recorded since June 2007. The station has records back to 1862.

The public are urged to closely monitor the Bureau’s website, tune into the media and local radio, and listen to the advice of emergency services. For storm and flood assistance, contact the NSW SES on 132 500, and for life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).

The Bureau is also using Twitter to disseminate significant weather information for the community. Follow us @BOM_NSW. The Bureau's website remains the most up-to-date and comprehensive official source of information.