The latest NSW weather has brought record-breaking rainfall and devastating floods, causing widespread disruption and emergency responses across the state. From the Mid North Coast to Sydney and beyond, communities are grappling with extreme conditions that have triggered multiple fatalities, large-scale evacuations, and ongoing rescue operations.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Flooding in NSW
The recent NSW weather event is unlike any seen in living memory, with rainfall totals smashing historical records in many areas. Parts of the Mid North Coast have experienced the wettest May since records began in the 1800s. For instance, the town of Taree has recorded over 650mm of rain so far this month—more than five times the usual monthly average.
This intense rainfall has caused major rivers including the Macleay, Hastings, and Manning to breach their banks, flooding entire towns and isolating thousands of residents. The Macleay River in Kempsey breached the levee protecting the CBD, forcing evacuations and causing significant damage. In Taree, the Manning River reached its highest recorded level, submerging large parts of the city and leaving residents stranded on rooftops.
Around 10,000 homes on the Mid North Coast of the state face the threat of flooding. [EPA]
Human Toll and Emergency Response
Tragically, the floods have claimed at least three lives so far, with a 63-year-old man found deceased in his home, a 60-year-old woman drowned after driving into floodwaters, and a man in his 30s also lost in floodwaters. A fourth person remains missing, believed to have entered floodwaters near a rural road.
Emergency services have been working tirelessly to save those trapped by rising waters. Nearly 600 people have been rescued, many winched to safety by helicopter or evacuated by boat from rooftops and flooded properties. Over 50,000 people are currently isolated as rising floodwaters cut off access to towns and suburbs.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has urged residents to take all warnings seriously, highlighting that the state is “bracing for more bad news over the next 24 hours.” He has praised the calm and orderly response from the public, despite widespread disruptions including supermarket closures and power outages.
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Impact on Sydney and Surrounding Areas
While the Mid North Coast has borne the brunt of this weather event, the wider Sydney region and parts of southern NSW are also experiencing significant rainfall. Warragamba Dam—the primary source of drinking water for Sydney, supplying 80% of the city’s water—has reached 96% capacity and is expected to spill in the coming days.
Other dams around Greater Sydney, including Nepean, Cataract, and Woronora, are also nearing capacity. Flood warnings have been issued for the Hawkesbury River and minor flooding is expected in areas west of Sydney such as the Blue Mountains.
Sydney’s rainfall has increased steadily, with some areas receiving more than 40mm since early morning. Flood warnings remain active across the city’s river systems, prompting caution for motorists and residents in low-lying areas.
NSW Premier Chris Minns toured the flood-hit area of Raymond Terrace on Thursday. [Photo credit: Dean Sewell]
The Meteorological Outlook
ABC meteorologist Tom Saunders has noted that the rain event has been driven by a slow-moving low-pressure system off the coast, which is expected to track southwards over the next 24 hours. The heavy rain bands currently affecting the northern coast will gradually move toward southern parts of NSW, including Sydney, with more rain forecast for the weekend.
Some locations along the coast west of the Great Dividing Range could see totals exceeding 100mm in the next day, with flash flooding a continuing risk. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings, particularly for the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, where river levels remain dangerously high.
Community Support and Recovery Efforts
The NSW government and federal authorities have activated disaster recovery support for the most affected areas, including Kempsey, Port Macquarie, and the MidCoast Council regions. Evacuation centres are operational, providing shelter and assistance to displaced residents.
Local councils and emergency services continue to assess infrastructure damage and coordinate relief efforts. Supply chains have been disrupted in some isolated towns, creating shortages of essential goods and medicines.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has pledged to use “every resource available” to assist those impacted by the floods, acknowledging this is one of the worst NSW weather disasters in recent history.
What Residents Need to Know
If you live in flood-prone or isolated areas of NSW, it is critical to stay informed through official channels:
- Monitor warnings and updates from the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) and the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Follow evacuation orders promptly; do not attempt to drive through floodwaters.
- Prepare emergency kits with food, water, medicines, and essential documents.
- Check on neighbours, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility.
- Keep mobile phones charged and stay connected to community alerts.
Conclusion
The current NSW weather situation is a stark reminder of the state’s vulnerability to extreme rainfall and flooding events. As the rain continues to fall and rivers swell, the resilience and cooperation of communities and emergency services are crucial.
Residents are urged to stay safe, heed warnings, and prepare for ongoing challenges as recovery efforts ramp up in the coming weeks. While this weather event is historic and tragic, it also showcases the strength and solidarity of NSW’s people in facing adversity together.
