SES warns Hunter to prepare for heavy rain and flash flooding

newy.com.au – Hunter residents are being urged to monitor conditions and prepare for possible flash flooding as widespread rain and thunderstorms move across northern and eastern NSW, with minor river rises possible in parts of the region from Thursday night into Friday.

The NSW State Emergency Service said rainfall was forecast to increase across the Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter and adjacent districts from early Thursday evening as a low-pressure system develops, before the severe weather spreads south through the Mid North Coast and Hunter on Friday.

Daily rainfall totals of 20mm to 40mm are likely, but isolated falls of up to 100mm are possible. Intense six-hour rainfall rates of 70mm to 100mm could also occur in isolated areas with thunderstorms, raising the risk of flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms may also bring damaging winds and large hail before conditions ease from Saturday.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said flash flooding remained the most significant risk.

“Flash flooding can occur quickly and without much warning. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route,” Assistant Commissioner Malone said.

“We’ve prepositioned high clearance vehicles in preparation for the severe weather, including at Maitland, Taree, Lismore and Narrabri, and we have flood rescue teams on standby.”

The SES said prolonged rainfall could lead to river level rises, with minor flooding possible along the Paterson and Williams rivers from Thursday night into Friday. Minor flooding is also possible along parts of the Hunter and Goulburn rivers and Wollombi Brook from Friday.

Advice-level flood warnings have been issued for communities across the Hunter, Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands, with residents urged to stay informed as conditions change. The SES said there remained some uncertainty about where the heaviest falls would occur.

Across NSW, SES volunteers had responded to 248 incidents during the weather event, including 150 incidents in the 24 hours to 2pm Thursday. The service had received 543 calls to its state operations centre and reported no flood rescues. The North Eastern Zone, which includes the Hunter, recorded 12 incidents in that 24-hour period.

Assistant Commissioner Malone urged residents to take simple steps before storms arrive.

“Residents are encouraged to prepare their homes before the storms impact by tying down loose items, trimming branches, clearing your gutters and parking your cars away from trees and powerlines,” he said.

Residents are being advised to download the Hazards Near Me app, set up a watch zone for their local area and follow the latest NSW SES warnings. For help during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero.