Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy, Locally Intense Rainfall for parts of Northern Rivers Forecast District. Issued at 3:58 am Tuesday, 23 December 2025. Severe thunderstorms continuing about parts of northern New South Wales this morning. Weather Situation A cold front combined with humid and unstable atmospheric conditions is generating isolated severe thunderstorms across northern parts of the state this morning. HEAVY, LOCALLY INTENSE RAINFALL for the following areas: Northern Rivers VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORMS are likely to produce heavy, locally intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Hastings Point and Numinbah. Severe thunderstorms are no longer occurring in the Northern Tablelands district and the warning for this district is CANCELLED. 48 mm was recorded at Bellingen in the 30 minutes to 4:48 pm. 88 mm was recorded at Belongil Creek Bridge in the hour to 01:00 am. Cancellation for the following areas: Northern Tablelands The State Emergency Service advises that people should: * Keep clear of creeks and storm drains. * Don't walk, ride your bike or drive through flood water. * If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue. * Stay indoors away from windows, and keep children and pets indoors as well. For emergency help in flood and storms, ring the SES on 132 500. Stay updated on the Hazards Near Me NSW app or the ACT ESA website (https://esa.gov.au). The next warning is due to be issued by 7:00 am. Check https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-and-climate/warnings-and-alerts. Warnings are also available through TV and Radio broadcasts or call 1300 659 210. The Bureau and State Emergency Service would appreciate warnings being broadcast regularly.