The last 24 hours has seen the heaviest rain in three years fall over parts of the Mid North Coast. Carey's Peak picked up the most with a torrential 198mm to 9am, which is the heaviest in at least 2 years. Mt Seaview gained a hefty 175mm and their heaviest rain in 3 years. This heavy rain has resulted in localised flooding, with major flooding on the Macleay River at Kempsey. Major flooding is also occurring on the Hastings River at Kindee Bridge. This flooding has led to the evacuation of parts of Kempsey and surrounding towns. The heavy rain is thanks to a low sitting just off the NSW north coast, which is also directing in strong and potentially damaging winds over the coast south of the Northern Rivers, creating dangerous surf conditions. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for the Hunter and Mid North Coast for damaging winds, flash flooding, abnormally high tides, and damaging surf. The heavy rain is expected to move slowly south today as a low drifts down the coast. The heaviest rain is expected to stay north of Sydney. Strong winds and heavy rain should ease on Thursday as the low heads east across the Tasman Sea.