Flash flooding watch for Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Urunga

The Coffs Coast is once again on tenterhooks as heavy rain squalls pepper the area, with concerns they could lead to flash flooding and landslides. What you need to know:

A severe weather warning has been issued for the Mid-North Coast, with potential for flash flooding that may affect areas including Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Urunga and Dorrigo.

Heavy rainfall has impacted the Coffs Coast from as far south as Nambucca to Woolgoolga since the early evening of Tuesday, July 5 - and it’s expected to continue through the night and into Wednesday.

The State Emergency Service (SES) Coffs Harbour has posted that the rain is hitting the coast and parts of the Northern Tablelands.

Locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Sawtell, Urunga and Dorrigo.

Six-hourly rainfall totals between 60 to 90mm are possible, with some very isolated six-hourly totals reaching up to 125mm.

Despite a dry June on the Coffs Coast, the catchment remains waterlogged and landslides and trees falling are possible.

Local residents are urged to batten down the hatches and be alert through the night.

The local SES is concerned that with the school holidays, more people are already in the area, and on the roads.

Visit livetraffic.com and drive to the conditions. Never enter floodwater, the SES pleads.

Locations which may be affected include Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Sawtell, Urunga and Dorrigo.

Coffs Harbour roads will be particularly treacherous and motorists are advised to check the latest information through Live Traffic.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

* Not 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.