Australia: Severe weather forecast for parts of northeastern New South Wales through at least Dec. 31

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northeastern Mid North Coast and southeastern Northern Rivers regions in northeastern New South Wales through at least Dec. 31. As of the afternoon of Dec. 31, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for heavy to intense rainfall across Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, and Urunga. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming hours.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger further flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and employees' inability to reach work sites. Further electricity and telecommunications service disruptions are possible where significant flooding, strong winds, or landslides impact utility networks.