Flood emergency in New South Wales after extreme rainfall triggers rescues and power outages
Heavy rain caused severe flooding across New South Wales’ Mid North Coast and Hunter region on May 20, 2025, leading to evacuations and multiple flood rescues. Rivers rose above flood levels, forcing residents in towns like Taree, Coopernook, and Wingham to evacuate. Thousands of homes lost power as emergency services responded to hundreds of incidents.
Flooding in New South Wales on May 20, 2025. Credit: NSW SES
A deepening low pressure trough interacting with moisture-laden winds and abnormally warm Tasman Sea waters triggered widespread flooding across the mid-north coast and Hunter region of New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday, May 20. The system brought more than 270 mm (10.6 inches) of rain in less than 24 hours to several locations, overwhelming rivers and floodplains.
The State Emergency Service (SES) responded to 1 400 incidents, carried out 24 rescues, and evacuated 60 people in the last 24 hours. An estimated 4 000 homes across the state have lost access to power and electricity.
Taree Airport recorded a total of 283 mm (11.1 inches) of rain in 48 hours to 09:00 local time on May 20, including 279 mm (11 inches) in 24 hours and 166 mm (6.5 inches) in just 6 hours.
Other notable totals include 317 mm (12.5 inches) at Careys Peak, with 271 mm (10.7 inches) in 24 hours; 292 mm (11.5 inches) at Mount Barrington, with 268 mm (10.6 inches) in 24 hours; and 243 mm (9.6 inches) at Port Macquarie, including 239 mm (9.4 inches) in 24 hours and 130 mm (5.1 inches) in 6 hours.
This extreme rainfall quickly pushed river levels above flood thresholds. With the Manning River exceeding moderate flood levels, evacuation orders were issued for low-lying parts of Taree and Dumaresq Island by 17:00 local time on Tuesday. Coopernook and Wingham were also given the same evacuation instructions.
Strong winds caused additional hazards, with gusts reaching 83 km/h (52 mph) at Murrurundi Gap and 78 km/h (48 mph) at Nobbys Head, easily toppling trees in saturated ground.
Evacuation orders were also issued for Gloucester, Dungog, Bulahdelah, and Paterson, while residents in parts of the Mid North Coast were advised to remain indoors.
Nearly 80 schools across the state were closed.
Emergency services issued eight high-level warnings and 18 Watch and Act alerts across the state. Around 1 600 SES members were deployed to assist in response efforts.
NSW SES assistant commissioner Dean Storey urged people in high-risk areas to be prepared and not delay action, advising them to have a plan in place and to follow instructions from emergency services.
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) hazards manager Steve Bernasconi described the event as a multi-day system that had developed into a prolonged flooding emergency. Persistent rainfall and flooding risks would continue affecting the Hunter and Mid North Coast through Wednesday, with rain likely to persist along the coast into the weekend.
My passions include trying my best to save a dying planet, be it through carpooling or by spreading awareness about it. Research comes naturally to me, complemented by a keen interest in writing and journalism. Guided by a curious mind and a drive to look beyond the surface, I strive to bring thoughtful attention and clarity to subjects across Earth, sciences, environment, and everything in between.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.