IDN38503
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
New South Wales
Significant Weather Media Release
Issued at 3:30 pm EDT on Friday 25 January 2013.
Heavy rain, gale force winds and dangerous surf over the long weekend
The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that ex-tropical cyclone Oswald will bring
heavy rain, gale force winds and damaging surf conditions to the northern half
of the New South Wales coast over the long weekend.
The Bureau’s New South Wales Regional Director, Barry Hanstrum, said that the
low-pressure system currently affecting Queensland will continue to track
south, bringing heavy rain and the potential for major flooding to New South
Wales river valleys from the Queensland border to the Hunter Valley.
“This slow-moving weather system will reach the far north-east on Saturday
bringing heavy rainfall, before moving south to the mid-north coast and
adjacent ranges on Sunday and Monday. Communities at risk include Ballina,
Byron Bay, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie,” Mr Hanstrum said.
“Widespread heavy rainfall of around 200mm is expected from the Queensland
border to Port Macquarie. Localised falls in excess of 300mm, may lead to flash
flooding in those areas.
“On Sunday the rainfall is expected to extend west of the Dividing Range,
affecting Moree, Inverell and south to eastern parts of the Hunter Valley
including Newcastle.
“Gale force winds will produce high seas and damaging surf conditions, with
coastal erosion possible in vulnerable areas from Sunday. The rain and wind
will ease from most areas on Tuesday as the low tracks eastward, but dangerous
surf will continue into Wednesday,” Mr Hanstrum said.
Residents and holiday-makers should stay tuned for the latest warnings through
the Bureau’s website and through media channels.
NSW SES Commissioner Murray Kear is urging holiday-makers to consider the
severe weather when making their travel plans.
“Only necessary travel on roads should be done over the long weekend period in
these areas as there is the potential for major roads and highways to be cut
off by floodwater. If you do come across a flooded road, don’t drive through
it. Motorists should stay up to date with the latest road information from
livetraffic.com.
“People holidaying in the affected areas should also keep up to date with the
latest weather information. Campers, in particular, should move to higher
ground during the severe weather as there is the potential for low-lying areas
to be inundated,” Mr Kear said.
“If you need emergency help in a flood or storm call the NSW SES on 132 500. If
your situation is life-threatening call 000,” he added.
Media Contacts:
Bureau of Meteorology NSW Regional Office
Phone 0432 746 432 Email media@bom.gov.au
NSW SES Media (02) 4225 7500
For more information, see NSW Media Releases:
www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/nsw/
Note: This product provides supplementary information about a current or recent
significant weather or a warning.