Extreme weather warning for New South Wales

New South Wales Severe Weather Warning

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST

SEVERE WEATHER WARNING

for DAMAGING WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL, ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES and DAMAGING SURF

For people in the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Northern Tablelands and parts of the Southern Tablelands and North West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN20032.shtml

Issued at 3:59 pm Friday, 3 June 2016.

SEVERE WEATHER FOR EASTERN NEW SOUTH WALES

An East Coast Low is forecast to develop off the southern Queensland or northern New South Wales coast late Saturday, and is then expected to move southward on Sunday.

DAMAGING WINDS from the NORTHEAST, averaging 60 to 65 km/h with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday along much of the coast. 

Winds are expected to ease and turn northwesterly in the north early Sunday.

HEAVY RAIN which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is possible in the north Saturday and over the remainder late Saturday and Sunday. 

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

ABNORMALLY HIGH TIDES which may cause sea water flooding of low lying areas are likely.

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

VERY HEAVY SURF which may lead to localised damage and coastal erosion is likely.

Beach conditions in these areas will be dangerous and people should stay well away from the surf and surf exposed areas.

Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Armidale, Goulburn and Tamworth. 

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
* Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
* Keep clear of fallen power lines.
* Don't 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. 

The next warning is due to be issued by 11:00 pm.

Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts, the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au or call 1300 659 218. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.