The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has announced a severe weather warning for areas in New South Wales, including the Mid North Coast, Hunter, Metropolitan, Northern Tablelands, and North West Slopes and Plains.
Heavy rain and damaging winds are expected to develop from Jan. 17.
The warning comes as a low-pressure system is forecast to form near the northern NSW coastline. Winds reaching up to 90 km/h are predicted for exposed coastal areas from Sydney to Seal Rocks, particularly in south-facing regions.
Rainfall of 70 to 120 mm over six-hour periods is anticipated in elevated areas within the northern Hunter and Mid North Coast districts, with flash flooding a key concern.
The BoM has also issued a coastal hazard warning for damaging surf between the Illawarra and Mid North Coast regions. Residents in towns such as Port Macquarie, Taree, Kempsey, Newcastle, Maitland, and Yarrowitch are advised to follow emergency guidance and monitor updates.
The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has urged residents to avoid floodwaters, secure loose items around their homes, and ensure vehicles are moved to safe locations. It also highlighted the risk of landslides in areas recently affected by bushfires, where heavy rain may destabilize soil and debris.
Insurance providers are responding to the storm’s impact, with Insurance Australia Group (IAG) deploying teams under its brands NRMA Insurance, CGU, WFI, and ROLLiN’.
As of Jan. 16, IAG reported receiving over 1,100 claims, mostly for property damage caused by strong winds and rain. Common issues include fallen trees, damaged roofs, and water intrusion into homes.
Luke Gallagher, executive general manager of claims at NRMA Insurance, said the company is working to provide immediate assistance to affected customers.
“Our major event response team is in place 24/7 to ensure we can be on the ground immediately to help our customers affected by severe weather,” he said.
Gallagher encouraged customers to lodge claims through digital platforms, by phone, or in person at mobile claims centres. He also emphasised that emergency financial assistance and temporary accommodation are available for those in need.
Mobile HELP Response Vehicles, which function as on-site claims support centres, have been deployed to several areas, including West Pennant Hills in Sydney’s northwest, which experienced significant storm damage.
IAG is also managing claims from recent hailstorms that struck Glen Innes, NSW, and parts of Queensland, including Stanthorpe. The storms caused widespread damage to vehicles and homes, with 267 claims reported from Glen Innes and 36 from Queensland towns such as Applethorpe and The Summit.
HELP Response Vehicles are stationed at:
Residents are encouraged to visit these locations for face-to-face assistance with lodging claims.
For further support, customers can contact their insurers at:
With severe weather expected to persist, authorities are advising residents to monitor official updates, secure their properties, and avoid non-essential travel.
