East coast low predicted to cause wet weekend

THE Bureau of Meteorology has formally issued a severe weather warning for the east coast, including the Hunter, as an east coast low is forecast to develop on Saturday.

Damaging north-easterly winds, averaging 60 to 65 kmh with peak gusts in excess of 90 kmh, are possible from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday along much of the coast. 

Heavy rain, which may lead to flash flooding, is possible in the north on Saturday afternoon and over the remainder of the coast late Saturday or Sunday. 

Weekend rainfall totals of 80 to 150 mm are likely for much of the east coast with localised falls between 200 to 300 mm.

Abnormally high tides, which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas, are possible.

Water levels will exceed the highest tide of the year during Saturday and Sunday evenings' and Sunday morning's high tides.

Very heavy surf, which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion, is likely.

The BOM said location which could be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Armidale, Goulburn and Tamworth. 

The next warning is due to be issued by 7:20 pm on Friday.

EARLIER: 

A PREDICTED 95 per cent chance of rain this weekend has forced organisers of two Hunter events to reschedule.

The State Emergency Service has also issued warnings to residents in the northern inland portion of the state, where the heavy rain is due to strike on Friday night and Saturday. 

The coast is expected to hit the coast on Saturday night and begin moving south on Sunday, the State Emergency Service said on Friday. 

Sunday has been forecast as the crescendo of three wet days in the Hunter beginning on Friday. It is likely to worsen as an east coast low develops on the state’s coastline. Meteorologists have warned the region to brace for “significant” rain, particularly on Sunday.

Marine Rescue NSW has warned boaters to exercise caution in conditions expected to create damaging surf between five and seven metres in some places. 

Deputy Commissioner Dean Storey said safe boating was impossible this weekend. 

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers will be on high alert this weekend for any emergencies that should arise in the wild weather and sea conditions,” he said.

“The simple advice is to stay on shore. It’s just not safe out there – for you or the rescue crews who would have to come to your aid in the event of an emergency.”

Rock fishing is also expected to be highly dangerous until conditions ease early next week, with coastal erosion a possibility in pounding surf. 

Bureau meteorologist Helen Reid said an inland trough was likely to combine with a coastal one, creating an east coast low in the north that would douse most of the NSW coast by Monday.

Some areas could receive between 200mm and 300mm of rain, she said, with widespread falls between 80mm and 150mm.

Wind and punishing surf would add to woes on Sunday. “It’s such a dynamic and developing system, it’s almost a case of watch this space,” Ms Reid said.

Both the World’s Biggest Car Boot Sale and a planned dolphin census have been shifted due to the forecast. The dolphin census will move to June 19 while the World’s Biggest Car Boot Sale will be held on June 26.