Extreme rainfall causes major flooding across eastern New South Wales, isolating 48 000 people
Widespread flooding is affecting parts of eastern New South Wales after days of extremely heavy rainfall pushed rivers beyond capacity starting Sunday, May 18, 2025. The Manning River reached a record 6.4 m (21 feet) at Taree, breaking a record set in 1929. Approximately 48 000 people have been isolated, and emergency crews have responded to nearly 4 000 calls for assistance.
Rescue crews at work on May 20, 2025 as severe floods impact New South Wales, Australia. Credit: NSW/SES
Extreme rainfall produced by a slow-moving low-pressure trough interacting with warm Tasman Sea temperatures and persistent humid onshore winds caused severe flooding across parts of eastern New South Wales (NSW) beginning Sunday, May 18.
The system produced a multi-day rain event that overwhelmed catchments and drainage infrastructure, pushing rivers and creeks across the Mid North Coast and nearby regions above major flood levels.
Manning and Macleay rivers exceed major flood levels
The Manning River reached 6.4 m (21 feet) at Taree, breaking the previous record set in 1929.
Other river systems also experienced significant rises, including the Macleay River at Georges Creek, which climbed to 9.71 m (31.9 feet), well above its moderate flood threshold of 8 m (26.2 feet). The Macleay River remained above flood level and continued rising as of May 21.
Moderate flood warnings remain in place for the Paterson and Williams Rivers, adding to the widespread flood threat across eastern New South Wales. With multiple rivers peaking at the same time, pressure continues to mount on emergency services and local communities.
Emergency response and impact
As of May 21, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) reported 109 flood warnings in effect, including 19 at emergency level.
SES Commissioner Mike Wassing stated that approximately 48 000 people have been isolated by floodwaters, and volunteer crews have responded to about 1 000 incidents in the past 24 hours. More than 400 flood rescues have taken place in the Taree region alone.
The State Emergency Service has responded to 3 787 calls for help on May 21, more than double the number reported on May 20.
Rainfall totals exceed 400 mm (15.7 inches) across multiple regions
Rainfall data from the past 48 hours show several locations recording totals above 400 mm (15.7 inches) by 09:00 local time on Wednesday, May 21.
Mooral Creek topped the list with 449 mm (17.7 inches), followed closely by Moppy Lookout with 436 mm (17.2 inches). Mount Seaview recorded 430 mm (16.9 inches), including 319 mm (12.6 inches) in just one day and 118 mm (4.6 inches) in six hours, well above the monthly average for the region.
Other high totals included 427 mm (16.8 inches) at Careys Peak, 425 mm (16.7 inches) at Mount Barrington, and 412 mm (16.2 inches) at Comboyne Public School.
Taree has been drenched with 416 mm (16.4 inches) of rain over the last 48 hours. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Hazards manager, Steve Bernasconi, pointed out that this amount is roughly a third of the town’s annual average and would typically fall over five months.
Natural disaster declared across 16 local government areas
A Natural Disaster Declaration covering 16 local government areas from the Hunter Valley to Coffs Harbour was issued on Wednesday, May 21. The affected LGAs include Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Singleton, and Upper Hunter.
The declaration activates joint Commonwealth–State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), enabling affected residents to access support such as emergency accommodation, essential household item replacements, and grants for urgent structural repairs.
Local councils are also eligible for clean-up and infrastructure restoration assistance, while concessional loans are being provided to impacted small businesses, primary producers, and not-for-profit organisations.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said that serious conditions are expected to continue through the week and urged residents to stay informed through official warnings and follow directions from emergency services.
Short-term forecast
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts up to 200 mm (7.9 inches) of additional rainfall over the next 24 to 48 hours. Continued rain is expected across the Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers, and nearby tablelands through May 21 and 22, with conditions likely to ease from Friday, May 23.
Forecasters predict that the rain will move south in the coming days, bringing much-needed relief to drought-affected areas of the Murray Basin.
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