CONDITIONS are expected to ease for Christmas later this week, but the region appears unlikely to be gifted entirely clear skies for December 25.
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The Bureau of Meteorology warned the Hunter to expect severe weather overnight on Monday, with areas including Scone and Maitland told to prepare for "intense rainfall and potentially life threatening flash flooding". A shower or two is expected on Friday before temperatures climb into the weekend.
SEVERE WEATHER WARNING:
A SEVERE weather warning has been issued for parts of the Hunter, with heavy rain and widespread showers expected for most of the day.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued the warning on Monday morning.
A slow moving trough over northern NSW will interact with increasing tropical humidity to bring widespread rain. A transient low pressure system may develop within this trough on Tuesday, but the system will weaken and move away to the east by Tuesday evening.
Heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding. Embedded thunderstorms may locally enhance rainfall rates, leading to intense rainfall and potentially life threatening flash flooding.
Further river rises are likely in locations including Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Scone, Coonabarabran, Armidale and Maitland.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
- Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
- Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
- After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
- Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
The next Severe Weather Warning will be issued by 5:00 pm AEDT Monday.
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