During the period 31 March – 1 April 2009, Coffs Harbour and surrounding regions experienced heavy rainfall associated with severe storms.  The highest falls were recorded at; Red Hill 445 mm, Girralong 730 mm and Wooli 129 mm. The heights of the River systems increased significantly, with; Coffs Creek peaking at 5.14 metres, Bellinger River at 8.6 metres, and the Nambucca River at 10.4 metres.

The effects of the flood were compounded by the heavy rainfall that occurred in February 2009. Consequently, the damage was extensive and affected critical infrastructure, businesses, local industry, property and, crops, while landslips also occurred in some areas. All major roads were closed in Coffs Harbour and immediately surrounding areas, which cut off access to several towns.

There were 760 requests for help from the State Emergency Services (SES).  The response and recovery were assisted by; New South Wales Fire Brigades, Rural Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Police Force and local councils. Over 100 people were rescued, 800 people evacuated and were accommodated overnight in emergency centres and students at three schools stayed overnight.

Several meteorological factors were reported as contributing to the event: a moist, convergent low-level airflow onto the hills inland from Coffs Harbour, a strongly backing vertical wind profile, and a mid-tropospheric trough to the west, which contributed to the upmotion and reduced static stability in the region.

The Minister for Emergency Services declared Coffs Harbour, Nambucca and Bellingen local government areas, a natural disaster zone.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 2009 damage at $37 million with, the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $40 million.