Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall in Hunter and Mid North Coast Districts

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning (IDN21033) for heavy rainfall. This warning is classified as a top priority for immediate broadcast and was issued at 8:18 am Thursday, 19 March 2026.

Affected Areas

The warning applies to people in parts of the Mid North Coast and Hunter Forecast Districts. Specific locations that may be affected by the storm activity include:

• Bulahdelah
• Seal Rocks
• Nelson Bay
• Dungog

What You Should Do

The State Emergency Service (SES) advises residents in the warning area to take the following precautions:

• Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
• Do not walk, ride your bike, or drive through flood water.
• If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and call 000 if you require rescue.
• Stay indoors and away from windows; ensure children and pets remain indoors as well.
• For emergency assistance during floods and storms, contact the SES at 132 500.
• Monitor updates via the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website.

Expected Conditions

A line of slow-moving showers and storms has formed near Dungog in the northern Hunter region. These severe thunderstorms are generating locally heavy falls and are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding within the warning area over the next several hours.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 8:18 am on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The Bureau of Meteorology expects to issue the next update by 11:20 am. If severe thunderstorms develop in the Sydney, Newcastle, or Wollongong areas, a more detailed warning will be issued for those specific regions.