Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast: NSW SES warns of heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding

The NSW north coast is on high alert as heavy rainfall lashes the region, with the SES warning of possible flash flooding and preparing for worsening conditions. Here is the latest.

Accumulated rainfall on Monday January 15, 2024, according to ECMWF model.

The NSW SES has warned of possible flash flooding as a deluge of rainfall lashes the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast.

The warning comes after heavy rainfall hit Sydney, the Blue Mountains and The Central Coast, resulting in the SES responding to more than 300 incidents across NSW over the past 24 hours.

Throughout Monday afternoon and evening, this rain bomb is expected to move north and increase in intensity as it pelts the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers.

Locations on high alert include Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Evans Head, Maclean, and Ballina, but an SES spokeswoman said the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is currently unable to predict exactly where thunderstorms will hit.

The spokeswoman also confirmed the SES has received numerous call-outs for assistance across the north of the state – with 16 in the Mid North Coast and 20 in the Northern Rivers.

File picture of flood waters in the Northern Rivers. Picture: NSW SES

“We expect that number to climb as the conditions worsen,” she said.

She also confirmed the SES has prepositioned assets and teams who are ready to respond in preparation for this evening.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan ESM said the rainfall forecasted for the next 24 to 48 hours could cause flash flooding in state’s northeast.

“The bureau has forecast rainfall totals of 100 to 200 millimetres in some areas, but it is variable with thunderstorms, so we ask people to monitor conditions and warnings,” she said.

“It’s school holidays and we know people are travelling to see family and friends, but we urge you to never drive through floodwater and to plan your route.”

Accumulated rainfall on Monday January 15, 2024, according to ECMWF model.

The SES is further advising people camping in low lying areas, or planning to camp this week, to be mindful of flash flooding.

“Please be safe when camping or caravanning near rivers, as flash flooding can occur very quickly and without warning,” Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.

“Monitor the conditions and avoid camping in low lying areas. Should river rises or flash flooding occur, seek higher ground.”

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call triple-0 (000) immediately.