27/13:01 EST Flood Watch for the Hunter and parts of the Mid North Coast

Source: Australia Bureau of Meteorology

IDN36503

Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology

This Flood Watch provides early advice of possible flooding within the specified catchments

Flood Watch for the Hunter and parts of the Mid North Coast

Issued at 12:59 pm AEST on Wednesday 27 May 2026

Flood Watch Number: 2

MINOR FLOODING POSSIBLE FOR THE HUNTER AND PARTS OF THE MID NORTH COAST FROM OVERNIGHT THURSDAY INTO FRIDAY

A broad trough over northern and eastern NSW is expected to generate widespread moderate rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few days. A low within the trough is expected to result in heavy rainfall for parts of the Hunter and southern parts of the Mid North Coast from late Thursday.

Minor flooding may develop along the Orara, Manning and Gloucester, Bellinger, Hastings, Paterson WIlliams and parts of the Hunter Rivers from Thursday into Friday. Uncertainty remains in the location and timing of the heaviest falls, and the Flood Watch area will be reviewed over the coming days.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are moderately wet.

Flood classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Orara River

Minor flooding

Coffs Coast

Bellinger and Kalang Rivers

Minor flooding

Hastings River

Minor flooding

Manning and Gloucester Rivers

Minor flooding

Goulburn and Upper Hunter Rivers

Minor flooding

Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River

Minor flooding

Paterson and Williams Rivers

Minor flooding

Newcastle Area

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood

Safety Advice:

  • Don’t drive, walk, swim or play in floodwater because it is dangerous.
  • Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways.
  • Obey road closure signs. Plan ahead so you don’t drive on flooded roads.
  • Check the ABC and local media for updates. The situation can change quickly, so stay informed.
  • For local emergency management warnings and advice visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au.

For emergency assistance call SES on telephone number 132 500. In life-threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.

Next Issue:

The next Flood Watch will be issued by 01:00 PM AEST on Thursday 28 May 2026.