NSW weather: SES issues updated flood alerts as coldest temperature for 2025 recorded

The SES has issued fresh alerts for NSW residents as they suffer through one of the coldest and wettest weeks this year.

Weather readings at the NSW snowfield resort of Thredbo recorded Australia’s coldest weather of 2025 as the temperature dropped to -13C overnight on Tuesday, and the freezing blast brought a penetrating rain band stretching across most of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting even more rain for Australia’s eastern seaboard in the coming days with flood warnings stretching from the coast to inland suburbs as residents prepare for the worst.

Torrential downpours have been reported across the northwest to the Hunter region of NSW on Wednesday, with towns including Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri, and Moree expected to receive up to 70mm throughout the day.

The SES issued a warning for residents in the Hawkesbury area south of Sydney to stay vigilant and expect flooding from the Colo River.

“The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) to STAY INFORMED about predicted minor to moderate flooding on the Colo River: Upper Colo and Putty Road,” the statement on Facebook read.

“You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the remainder of Wednesday, during Thursday and into Friday. Minor to moderate flooding is possible in the Colo catchment from late Thursday.”

Meanwhile, an area from the Mid North Coast to the Hunter region is forecast to receive up to 80mm with isolated falls of up to 110mm.

“It’s just light or moderate rainfall, but it’s the prolonged nature of the rainfall this week, rather than how heavy it is, which is expected to cause flooding issues down the line,” the Bureau of Meteorology’s Angus Hines said.

Mr Hines warned that the worst of the wet weather and flood risk may be on Thursday with the ground set to be soaked from 24 hours of rain.

“Tomorrow’s rainfall, as it gets a bit heavier, is likely to run directly into those rivers and we certainly expect to see river level rises,” he said.

The Gwydir and Namoi Rivers in the state’s northwest could reach major flood levels, while the Nambucca, Peel, Wollombi Brook, Lower Hunter and Colo Rivers may be at moderate levels.

“While we’re prepared for an increased volume of calls for assistance, we ask the community to prepare too,” Assistant SES Commissioner Colin Malone said.

“Stay across the latest warnings and advice via the Hazards Near Me app and set up a watch zone for your local area.”

There is also the potential for flash flooding during this rain event, with authorities repeating the warning to not drive through swamped roads.

“If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another way,” Mr Malone said.

with AAP.