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Briefs

Severe Weather across the Mid North Coast NSW

Severe Weather across the Mid North Coast NSW

27 May 2025

This brief provides information shared on Friday 23 May at the National Coordination Mechanism Meeting where the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and industry stakeholders provided updates on the situation following the severe weather impacting the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of New South Wales.  

Situation update 

The Bureau of Meteorology briefed on the recent heavy to locally intense rainfall moving from northern NSW through to southern NSW. Rain eased on Friday 23 May 2025 as it moves further south along the central and southern NSW coast and ranges, and into Victoria.  

A strong cold front will push through NSW from Monday 26 May 2025 that will bring damaging to potentially destructive winds. NSW State Emergency Operations Controller advised that Taree and Mid North Coast are most impacted, as far north as Kempsey. Rapid damage assessments will begin shortly, with impacts including damage to businesses and residential homes, power isolations and inundations. 

Supermarket retailers briefed on current supply chain disruptions and affected stores. While cleaning and reopening activities are underway the full restocking will take some time and will be dependent on road and energy access.  

Transport NSW advised of several road closures including: 

  • Waterfall Way is closed in both directions between Dorrigo Mountain and Thora due to a landslide. It is also closed between Bellingen and Raleigh due to flooding. 
  • Failford Road is now closed between the Pacific Highway and The Lakes Way.  
  • The Pacific Highway closed between Taree South and Coopernook. Avoid the area. Delay your travel until further notice. 
  • Giinagay Way is closed in both directions between North Macksvillle and Nambucca Heads. 
  • The Oxley Highway is closed between Thrumster and Wauchope, as well as at Rosewood, Long Flat and Mount Seaview. 
  • Seaham Road is closed in both directions at Raymond Terrace. 
  • Solitary Islands Way is closed at Corindi Beach, north of Woolgoolga. 
  • Oxford Falls Road is closed at Oxford Falls. 

The reopening of the M1 is a key priority and maintenance crews are working on repairs.  
For the latest updates please refer to the Live Traffic NSW website.  

Telecommunication representatives reported that several sites have been affected by power outages, limited access, and optic fibre washouts, all of which are impacting transmission. 

Several thousand properties are without power in the Mid North Coast. Essential Energy is providing support to life support customers, as required and will restore additional power as floodwaters recede and restoration works commence. 

This event has compounded impacts on the dairy industry since Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with livestock experiencing prolonged saturated conditions. Urgent requirements by the agricultural industry include emergency fodder supply, carcass disposal, and veterinary assistance. 

Insurance 

On Wednesday 21 May, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) declared a ‘Significant Event’ which has activated insurer’s disaster response capabilities. Insurers already have people stationed in communities where it is safe to do so, and more claims staff will be activated once teams can access the flooded affected areas. Insurers have also activated additional resources to prioritise claims related to this weather event. 

According to the ICA Insurers have received more than 1,600 claims from the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions of NSW. For many residents across these regions in New South Wales, this weather event continues to be an active emergency, making safety the top priority.  

However, for those who are ready to commence clean-up, the ICA has some tips to assist in the claims process:

Prioritise safety. Where water damage is evident, a qualified electrician should inspect the property before the electricity can be turned back on. It’s also important not to drive cars that have received water damage.  

Document the damage. Where possible, document any damage with photos and videos. Make a list of damaged items, including the brand, model and serial number if you can, or keep material samples to show your assessor. 

Begin the clean-up. You don’t need to wait for your insurer to assign an assessor before you can clean up. Throw away any items that cannot be repaired, particularly if they pose a health risk. However, if you believe something can be repaired, keep this item and notify your insurer when making your claim.  

Speak to your insurer. Lodge your claim as soon as you can, even if the full extent of the damage isn’t yet known. You should also speak directly with your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work  

A full FAQ media release from the ICA can be found here, with more information to help support insurance policyholders during this weather event. 

Contact 

The AFGC will keep a watching brief for any additional information released by the Government. If your company requires assistance liaising with government bodies or other stakeholders as we transition to the clean up and recovery phase, please don’t hesitate to contact Samuel Garcia, Manager, Industry Affairs (Supply Chain and Economics) for more information.  

Shalini Valecha  
Director – Industry Affairs