Issued at 10:04 am Sunday, 5 June 2016.
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A severe weather warning for damaging winds and heavy rainfall has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology. For coastal areas, abnormally high tides and damaging surf have also been forecast.
The warning covers people in the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and parts of the Southern Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.
An East Coast Low currently situated over the NSW Mid North Coast will continue to deepen as it moves southwards today. The low is expected to be south of Sydney by early this evening, then remain anchored off the South Coast Sunday night and into Monday morning. The highest winds and heaviest rainfall will strongly depend on the future position and movement of the low.
Damaging winds averaging 60 to 65 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are currently being experienced along much of the coast.
Locally destructive winds with gusts up to 125 km/h are also possible along central parts of the coast, extending to the south coast during this evening as the low passes close by. The coastal fringe will be particularly under threat with this system. Winds are expected to ease and turn northwesterly as the low passes by.
Heavy rain is expected to cause flash flooding near the coast south of Port Macquarie today. Rainfall totals of up to 100-200mm are expected over central and southern parts of the coast, with 1-hourly rainfall rates of 30-70mm possible.
SES local controller for Goulburn, Robert Bell, stressed the importance of avoiding flood areas.
"It's hard to predict just how much rain we'll receive in the various towns in the forecast area, and if there'll be any flooding, but if there is we urge people not to drive into or play in any flooded areas," Mr Bell said
"We've been fatality free in the last few heavy rains that brought flooding and its imperative people avoid flooded areas if we want to stay that way."
Rain and winds have eased in the Northern Rivers and northern parts of the Mid North Coast District. This easing trend should continue to extend southwards during the day.
Abnormally high tides which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas are likely along the entire coast. The next high tide will be at 8:30pm this evening, where water levels are expected to exceed the highest tide of the year.
Very heavy surf may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion.
Beach conditions in these areas will be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
In the 24 hours to 9am this morning, widespread falls of 100-200mm have been recorded along the NSW coast. Locally higher falls of 200-400mm have also been observed, with the highest recorded rainfall at Wooli River of 469mm.
Earlier this morning, wind gusts of 98km/h were recorded at Norah Head at 12:21am, 90km/h at Kurnell AWS at 1:30am, and 96km/h at Bellambi AWS at 7.32am and North Head at 8:00am.
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.
- Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid on 131 388, or Endeavour Energy on 131 003 or Essential Energy on 132 080, as shown on your power bill.
- 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 is due to be issued by 5:05 pm.
Warnings are 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 warnings being broadcast regularly.