Rain is forecast across the region in the coming days, and deceptively powerful surf conditions are also expected which could be hazardous for activities such as rock fishing and swimming.

Fine weather is not expected to return to the region before Tuesday.

Meanwhile, residents in northern NSW are being warned to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds as wild weather returns to the region.

However, the bureau does not expect the same severe conditions as last week, which led to the deaths of four people in the Hunter.

Strong winds and more than 350 millimetres of rain are predicted to fall around Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie between Wednesday and Saturday night, with the most intense bucketing expected on Friday.

The State Emergency Service wants residents to prepare for the worst.

"They need to think, 'what to do if'," an SES spokesman said.

He said residents should make sure they had enough provisions, including medication, non-perishable food and torches.

Thunderstorms are possible along the coast north of Sydney, which could lead to localised heavy rain.

Severe weather conditions in Queensland are also set to worsen as an east coast low develops off the coast. Forecasters predict the low will develop near Fraser Island on Friday. AAP

This article first appeared on The Herald website