THE NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is warning residents about damaging winds averaging 65 km/h with gusts to 100 km/h affecting the mid north coast today, as an east coast low is expected to slowly move further north-east today and into tonight.
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has advised that as the deep low pressure system moves further to the east, the pressure difference between this system and a high pressure system to the west will generate vigorous winds along the coastal fringe today and large seas.
SES units are responding to over 25 requests for assistance across the mid north coast, primarily trees down and damage to houses, as winds impact the coastal areas. The NSW SES asks that people be patient as our volunteer crews respond to calls. As more volunteers become available, additional crews will be deployed into the field.
The NSW SES advises residents to closely monitor the developing weather situation and to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, keep clear of fallen power lines, and to secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
Acting NSW SES mid north coast region controller Tony Day says the "key message to the community is to closely monitor the situation and, if assistance is required from the SES, to be patient as our volunteer teams prioritise response operations."
"This is a timely reminder of our approaching storm season. Stormsafe Week, a NSW SES initiative advising communities how they can best prepare for the upcoming storm season, begins next Monday, September 5. This initiative is to demonstrate and reinforce the importance of shared responsibility to build resilience in the face of natural disasters." Mr Day said.
Along with the strong winds it is likely that very heavy and damaging surf, which may lead to localised coastal erosion, is forecast for the southern parts of the mid north coast. Beach conditions in these areas and for most of the remainder of the coast will be dangerous and people are advised to stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.
At this stage a clearing trend is expected to develop later tonight.
Information on how residents can prepare for severe weather can be obtained by visiting the NSW SES website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For emergency assistance in floods and storms call the NSW SES on 132 500 and in life threatening situations call triple zero.