Heavy rain and minor flooding have impacted parts of the Mid North Coast, with residents warned to stay alert as rivers rise and floodwaters affect low-lying areas, but the rain is expected to ease heading in to the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology said a low pressure system moving offshore from the Mid North Coast was combining with elevated moisture and strong onshore flow to produce widespread moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from yesterday into today.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue across elevated parts of the Mid North Coast this morning before conditions begin easing during Friday afternoon.
The NSW State Emergency Service issued a string of flood advisories and warnings across the region, urging communities to monitor conditions and avoid floodwaters.
Minor flooding was forecast for the Orara River at Coutts Crossing, with residents in Coutts Crossing and surrounding areas advised to stay informed as river levels rise from overnight into today.
The SES warned low-lying roads, bridges, farmland and rural properties along the river could be impacted by dangerous floodwaters.
Communities along the Bellinger River, including Darkwood, Thora and Upper Thora, were also placed on alert for possible minor flooding.
Further south, warnings were issued for hazardous flooding on the Hastings River at Settlement Point and Wauchope, while minor flooding was expected along the Manning River affecting Croki, Taree and Wingham.
The SES also warned flash flooding was possible around Barrington Tops, Nowendoc and Yarrowitch as intense rainfall moved through elevated areas overnight.
Rainfall totals across the region were significant, with 101mm recorded at Comboyne in the three hours to 11.45pm yesterday. Careys Peak at Barrington Tops received 58mm in three hours to 6.38pm, while 43mm fell at Upper Chichester in a single hour to 8.15pm.
The Bureau’s Flood Watch said minor flooding was possible across multiple catchments including the Orara, Bellinger, Hastings, Manning, Paterson and Williams river systems.
The bureau said catchments across the region were already moderately wet, increasing the risk of rivers responding quickly to heavy rainfall.
At Dungog, the SES escalated warnings to a Watch and Act level, advising residents not to enter floodwater in several streets due to dangerous local flooding.
Hooke Street, Lord Street, Dowling Street, parts of Chapman Street, Abeland Street and Myles Street, along with areas of Bennett Park, were affected by floodwater overnight.
Despite the heavy rainfall, authorities said there were no major road closures reported along the coast as of this morning, although water was over roads in some low-lying areas.
Motorists have been urged to drive to the conditions, obey road closure signs and never enter floodwaters.
The SES also reminded residents to prepare for possible isolation, move pumps and farm equipment to higher ground where necessary, and stay updated through official warnings, local media and ABC Radio.
The weather system is expected to move further offshore during this afternoon, with conditions gradually easing across the region.
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