Possible flooding across state’s north

HEAVY rain could cause flash flooding across a stretch of the state’s coastline this weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has 13 flood warnings in place this morning (Saturday) as a rain band made its way slowly across the northeast quarter of New South Wales.

Duty forecaster Andrew Haigh says the heaviest rain is expected to fall on northern parts of the Hunter region and the Mid-North Coast.

A severe weather warning takes in those areas as well as the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands forecast districts, with flash flooding on the cards at Newcastle, Forster, Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Coffs Harbour, Grafton and Tweed Heads.

At North Richmond in Sydney’s northwest, the Hawkesbury River this morning is holding steady at almost 6.35m, causing minor flooding.

Minor flooding was also occurring at Putty Rd, where the Colo River is expected to peak about 12-noon.

The State Emergency Service warns caravan parks in the area could get a soaking and the Sackville and Lower Portland ferries have closed.