NSW SES Merriwa unit

⛈️ Storm Damage Update ⛈️

Over 400 incidents were reported to the NSW SES due to severe storms on Wednesday across the Central Coast, Hunter Coast, Hunter Valley and Mid-North Coast.

🦺 Crews are continuing to respond to fallen trees and significant roof and property damage.

⚡️ Over 12,000 properties are currently without power. Ausgrid are working to restore power to these areas. Assume all fallen powerlines are live and keep at least 8 metres away.

☔️ There is the potential for more storms this afternoon across the state. To stay up to date on information and warnings, download the Hazards Near Me app or visit the NSW SES website.

📱 If you require assistance in floods or storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).

🚧Water Over Roads🚧

While rainfall is easing across the Hunter, Mid Coast and Central Coast catchments there may still be hazardous floodwater remaining in your area.

🚫If you come across a flooded road, turn around. NEVER drive, walk or play in floodwaters.

Stay safe and know your risk:

📲Ensure you’re monitoring warnings - download the Hazards Near Me app.
🗺️Plan your trip at livetraffic.com
⚠️ Be aware - flash flooding can occur suddenly and without warning.
🏡 If you are isolated and require resupply, call NSW SES on 132 500

☎️If you require assistance in floods and storms, call NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).

🌧️ Weather Alert: Heavy Rainfall and Possible Flooding 🌧️

Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for today and Thursday for parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and North West Slopes.

🔸 River catchments are already wet due to recent rainfall
🔸 Flash flooding and river level rises are likely in areas with the heaviest rainfall

Now’s the time to get prepared.
🚗 Move vehicles under cover or away from trees.
🪑 Secure or put away loose items around your house, yard and balcony.
⚡️ Keep at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences.
🔌 Report fallen power lines to either Ausgrid (131 388), Endeavour Energy (131 003), Essential Energy (132 080) or Evoenergy (131 093) as shown on your power bill.

Know your risk, have a plan, and stay up to date with warnings.

📲 Download the Hazards Near Me app for the latest warnings in your area.

🌐 Read the full update here: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-ses-crews-standby-widespread-rainfall-and-flooding-forecast

☎️ If you require assistance, call NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).

A severe weather warning is currently in place for Coastal and Inland areas of NSW ☔️
The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to MONITOR CONDITIONS for forecast heavy rainfall, damaging winds: Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree, Newcastle, Scone and Maitland.
Here’s what we’re expecting:
🔸 COASTAL AREAS: Strong easterly winds averaging 50 to 60 km/h with DAMAGING WIND GUSTS of around 90 km/h. Winds are forecast to ease below warning thresholds by late tonight.
🔸 INLAND AREAS: Southeasterly DAMAGING WINDS averaging 55 to 65 km/h with peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible over elevated areas from late this afternoon before easing early Sunday morning.
🔸 HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING is also forecast about coastal and inland parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands from this afternoon.
🔸 On Sunday afternoon DAMAGING WINDS may redevelop over coastal parts of the Mid North Coast, and possibly further north
Ensure you and your property are prepared:
🏠 Avoid unnecessary travel, move indoors, bring children and pets with you.
🌳 Park your car away from trees, powerlines and drains.
🪑 If safe to do so, secure outdoor items
🎒 Grab your emergency kit in case you lose power or need to leave your home.
📲 Stay vigilant by monitoring the rainfall in your area and by monitoring warnings on the Hazards Near Me app.
If you require assistance in floods or storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).

Scone, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook, Denman flooding
Stay informed
Advice

The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to STAY INFORMED about predicted predicted flooding on the Hunter River:

- Scone
- Aberdeen
- Muswellbrook
- Denman

You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

What are we expecting?

The Bureau of Meteorology advises a trough is expected to cross NSW during the weekend, deepening offshore into a low pressure system by Monday. This low is expected to bring widespread rainfall about central parts of the NSW coast and may cause minor flooding in several catchments between the Manning and Hunter from Monday.

Catchments in the Flood Watch area are relatively wet.

There is some degree of uncertainty over the exact location and timing of the heaviest falls. Localised river level rises, and flash flooding are likely within the areas of heaviest rainfall.

This weather system has the potential to cause minor flooding in the Flood Watch area from Monday. Flood Classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:

- low lying roads and causeways adjacent to the River

View the full warning: https://hazardwatch.gov.au/a/0ywgg7

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive warnings in real time. https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Post current at 1:26pm on Friday 16th May 2025.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting widespread rain across the state for the remainder of the week and into the weekend. NSW SES will provide advice and warnings on HazardWatch. Follow the link below for all the current warnings in place.
https://hazardwatch.gov.au/

Willow tree rd is closed due to the beautiful rain.

Wow, after the great rain that we got on Friday, Merriwa SES got a 17 calls for assistance. We would like to thank Merriwa VRA, Merriwa river RFS, Maitland, Muswellbrook and Aberdeen SES for all your assistance ensuring that our wonderful community, were all provided with great assistance. If you are interested in volunteering for your community please contact us.

It's with great sadness we share the news of the loss of one of our orange family from the South Eastern Zone who was assisting their community at the time.

NSW SES Statement: NSW State Emergency Service can confirm that a NSW SES volunteer member has passed away after collapsing today whilst on duty. NSW Police will be preparing a report for the Coroner, and as such, the NSW SES cannot provide any further information at this stage. NSW SES Commissioner Mark Smethurst and the NSW SES family send our heartfelt condolences to the family and fellow Unit members.