IDN28500
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales
Severe Weather Warning
for destructive winds, heavy rain and damaging surf
for people in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast forecast districts
Issued at 11:18 am EST on Friday 24 May 2013.
HEAVY RAIN, WIND AND SURF ON THE NORTH COAST.
Weather Situation
A low pressure system just east/northeast of Coffs Harbour is expected to move slowly north today then more rapidly to the northeast this evening and tomorrow morning. Moderate to heavy rain over the Mid North Coast district will extend to southern parts of the northern Rivers district today before easing later this evening. Locally damaging, gale force winds are likely for the Mid North coast and Northern Rivers today, with localised destructive winds possible in thunderstorms. Damaging surf conditions for the Mid North Coast will extend to the southern Northern Rivers late today.
Damaging winds averaging around 60 km/h with gusts of 100 km/h are likely, localised destructive winds with peak gusts of 125 km/h are possible between about Port Macquarie and Ballina in thunderstorms. Heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding is forecast for the Mid North Coast and southern Northern Rivers forecast districts today.
Very heavy surf which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is forecast for the Mid North Coast forecast district and is expected to extend to southern parts of the Northern Rivers forecast district late today. Beach conditions in these areas could be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
in the 24 hours to 9am today, 155 mm of rainfall was recorded at Port Macquarie, 103 mm at Coffs Harbour, 155 mm at Comboyne.
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 clear of fallen power lines.
- 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.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
The next warning will be issued by 5:00 pm EST Friday.
This warning is also available through TV and Radio broadcasts; the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218.
The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate this warning being broadcast regularly.