The entire east coast of Australia is facing a significant and widespread weather event.
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weatherzone meteorologist Guy Dixon said an east coast low will produce adverse conditions featuring heavy rainfall, powerful sea conditions and strong winds.
“We have a deepening coastal trough interacting with an inland trough and upper cold air. As the inland trough moves east it will push offshore with an east coast low developing,” he said.
“It is more likely than not that this low will have multiple centres; it is a very dynamic weekend.
“There is also a chance of isolated thunderstorms with the passage of the low.
“Sunday afternoon will feature the strongest winds coming from the north east or east north east at around 70 kilometres per hour and up to 90 km/h.”
Rain will increase on Saturday night becoming heavy into the early hours of Sunday morning.
You can expect to see 20mm to 30mm of rain on Saturday with the potential of between 30 to 50mm on Sunday. The rain is expected to ease on Monday.
Fortunately, our area will miss the most damaging effects of the low which will hit around the Sydney basin and further south.
The rain event will extend over the ranges and onto the slopes but will taper off the further west you go.
Large and powerful surf and swell conditions will likely peak on Monday with some predicted 10 foot swells a feature along with poor water quality.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) confirmed the poor weather conditions and warned residents to prepare for severe weather conditions.
NSW SES Mid North Coast Region personnel are urging residents to monitor weather warnings and to exercise caution should the severe conditions eventuate.
People can reduce risks to personal safety and property damage by staying clear of creeks and stormwater drains, not driving through floodwater and by moving cars under cover and away from trees.
The SES said there was a predicted 70 per cent chance of minor flooding in the Hastings and Camden Haven river catchments.
The warning extends to farmers who are advised to be ready to move livestock, pumps and other equipment away from rising waters and oyster lease operators are also advised to monitor the river for possible rises and be ready to move equipment
Acting NSW SES Mid North Coast Region Controller, Tony Day said that people should prepare properties now for potential severe weather on the weekend.
Property owners can do things like clean out roof gutters, unblock drains and secure outdoor furniture to minimise the impacts of heavy rain and damaging winds.
“Although it has been very dry recently the potential rainfall totals coupled with high tides and large swell over the weekend means there is a risk of flash flooding and a real possibility of riverine flooding,” he said.
“We are asking the community not to drive into flooded roads, bridges or causeways, stay away from flooded drains, creeks and rivers and prepare your properties now.”
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 storms and floods call the NSW SES on 132 500 and in life threatening situations call triple zero.
