gale force winds and dangerous surf conditions to the south-east Queensland and the northern New 

South Wales coast over the long weekend.

It is believed that emergency services crews between Taree and Port Macquarie are on alert and monitoring the situation closely.

The low-pressure system, which has taken a 2000 km path from the top of Cape York Peninsula, will 

continue to track south bringing heavy rain and the potential for major flooding to catchments from the  Queensland–New South Wales border to the Hunter Valley.

The system is  moving slowly south-southeast.

Over the next few days widespread heavy rainfall of around 200mm is expected across widespread 

areas. 

Localised falls in excess of 300mm, may lead to flash flooding in those areas.

Heavy rain will continue over the weekend, so residents and holiday makers should stay tuned for the 

latest warnings through the Bureau’s website and through media channels, and exercise extreme care in planning their journeys.

This slow-moving weather system will reach the far north-east today bringing heavy rainfall, 

before moving south to the mid-north coast and adjacent ranges tomorow and Monday. Communities  at risk include Ballina, Byron Bay, Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

Tomorrow the rainfall is expected to extend west of the Dividing Range, affecting Moree and 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.

People are advised to refer to www.bom.gov.au/warnings through the weekend for updates to this warning and flood warning information.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:

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.