Rural Fire Service crews and residents are battling strong winds and high temperatures to protect homes from a 187 hectare bushfire at Darawank, near Forster-Tuncurry.

The fire has burnt to the coast and continues to burn close to properties near The Lakes Way. At 2:20pm, the fire remains at emergency warning and The Lakes Way between the Pacific Highway and Failford is closed.

To the west, residents living between Knorrit Flat and Mount George were told to leave their properties at about 3.30pm and head towards Wingham.

The 234 hectare fire at Knodingbul Forest Rd remains out of control.

"Be advised that roads may be closed without warning. If you are unable to leave, take shelter as the fire approaches," the RFS warned.

A severe fire warning remains in place for the Mid-North Coast. All fires are banned and fire permits are suspended.

In the Hastings, a fire at Coombes Gap, Mount Seaview is being controlled but the Oxley Highway is closed between Walcha and Bago.

Motorists are advised to use Waterfall Way instead and allow extra travel time.

There is no time frame for when these road closures will be lifted.

Motorists in the areas where roads have been closed are advised to drive with caution and follow the direction of emergency services.

On Saturday afternoon, there were fires also burning at Bellangry, Bril Bril, Rawdon Island, Hollisdale, Herons Creek, Swans Crossing and Caparra.

There are currently 80 bush and grass fires burning across the state with 45 yet to be contained.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted cooler conditions for Sunday but little chance of rain.

At 3.15pm Saturday, it had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Mid-North Coast with the chance of damaging winds.

For fire updates go to Fires Near Me.