While much of New South Wales continues to endure heavy rain and strong winds, parts of the state’s north have been transformed into a winter wonderland, with unexpected snow blanketing towns in the Northern Tablelands.
Surprise Snowfall in Uralla and Guyra
The towns of Uralla and Guyra, located west of Coffs Harbour in northern NSW, woke up to snow-covered streets as icy conditions brought on surprise blizzards. Locals and visitors were treated to thick snowflakes falling steadily, carpeting the ground in white and creating stunning wintry scenes.
Daytime temperatures hovered around 1°C, with overnight lows dipping to -3°C. The snowfall has been described as unusual for this time of year, adding an unexpected chill to the already wild weather lashing the state.
Sydney Soaked, Rainfall and Wind Warnings Continue
Meanwhile, Sydney and surrounding regions remain under siege from torrential rain and stormy conditions. Some areas are forecast to receive between 30mm to 80mm of rain today alone. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for multiple regions, including:
- Mid North Coast
- Hunter
- North West Slopes and Plains
- Northern Tablelands
- Central Tablelands
As a low-pressure system continues to develop, coastal communities should prepare for damaging wind gusts of up to 90 km/h, particularly from this afternoon into Sunday.
Flash Flooding Risk and Safety Warnings
With saturated ground and more rain on the way, there's an increasing risk of flash flooding — especially in inland parts of the Hunter, Mid North Coast, and Northern Tablelands.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan urged residents to act cautiously and stay away from floodwaters. “Some roads could become flooded and impassable, so above all, never drive through floodwaters,” she said.
“If the road is flooded, stop, turn around, and find another way.”
Coastal Hazards and Storms
Conditions along the entire NSW east coast are also hazardous, with very strong marine winds forecast through Sunday. The Bureau advises against boating or surfing activities due to dangerous swells and gusty winds.
Storm activity has already impacted major urban centres including:
- Sydney
- Gosford
- Newcastle
- Central Coast
- Wollongong
Thunderstorms with lightning and intense rainfall have been reported across these regions, with more storm cells expected throughout the day.
When Will the Wild Weather End?
Current forecasts suggest that the low-pressure system will move off the NSW coastline by Sunday afternoon. However, showers are expected to continue across parts of the state into next week.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking live updates from the Bureau of Meteorology and local emergency services, especially in flood-prone areas.
Stay Safe and Stay Dry
Whether you're navigating snowy roads in the highlands or bracing for flash flooding in coastal towns, this weekend’s weather is a timely reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Drive cautiously, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay up to date with weather alerts as conditions evolve.
