THE Bureau of Meteorology will be keeping a close eye on storm activity across the Mid North Coast after close to 200mm of rain was dumped in a highly charged weather system on Boxing Day.
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While the immediate threat of further severe thunderstorms has passed, the Bureau advised that it will monitor the situation throughout Wednesday, December 27 and issue further warnings if necessary.
It offers some brief respite for our Mid North Coast State Emergency Service (SES) crews who have been on the job since Christmas eve’s storm cell brought severe thunder and lightning across much of the Hastings, bringing down trees and cutting power to homes.
Members worked through the night and into the early morning responding to storm and flash flooding jobs and continue to respond as the weather remains unstable.
The SES is urging residents to be prepared for further storm activity and to closely monitor local media for any severe weather warnings for heavy rain and flash flooding.
“We are encouraging residents to take advantage of breaks in the weather, to clean gutters and downpipes, trim tree branches away from property and secure any outdoor times and furniture that may cause hazards,” NSW SES Mid North Coast Region Deputy Region Controller, Maria Frazer, said.
“We are extremely proud and grateful of our members who have been taken away from their families during this holiday time to respond to the needs of their communities. We are also asking people not to drive, walk or ride through flood water.”
The BoM reiterated the warning urging people to take the necessary precautions when out on the road or near waterways and drains.
The Port Macquarie Airport weather station has recorded about 197mm of rain since 9am Tuesday, December 26, including 63mm between 12.30am and 1.30am on December 27.
The rain gauge at Logan Crossing recorded 152mm; Mooral Creek 128mm; Comboyne 99mm and at Taree 85mm.
Showery conditions are expected to persist throughout the week.
Weatherzone meteorologist Graeme Brittain said there was a good chance of showers over the next few days.
“There is a low pressure trough nearby the region and that is generating the showers,” he said.
Up to 20mm of rain is expected on Wednesday, December 27 with a top temperature of 26 degrees.
A chance of showers remains on Thursday, December 28 as the low pressure trough moves north of Port Macquarie.
Friday morning is likely to be dry before unsettled conditions return.
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.