The NSW State Emergency Service is monitoring forecast rainfall in Northern NSW, and responding to major flood warnings in Western communities as floodwater from Queensland moves south.
Moderate to heavy rain is expected through the Mid North Coast, into the Northern Rivers and across the Northern Tablelands from into Wednesday, with isolated falls of 100 millimetres forecast in some areas.
Minor flooding is possible for the Wilsons, Richmond, Bellinger, Kalang and Upper Macintyre Rivers.
Renewed minor flooding is also expected in catchments where flood warnings are already current, including the Orara and Clarence Rivers and the upper reaches of the Gwydir River.
Assistant Commissioner Colin Malone said localised river level rises, and flash flooding was likely within the areas of heaviest rainfall.
“NSW SES issued flood warnings over the weekend for north coast rivers, and warnings could escalate as catchments are wet and responding quickly to rain,” he said.
“We don’t want communities to become complacent and are urging people to not drive through floodwaters.”
Meanwhile, moderate to major flooding is likely on the Paroo and Warrego Rivers, similar to levels seen during the 1990 and 2010 floods.
More than 300 people in Wanaaring, Hungerford, Yantabulla, Fords Bridge, Gumbalie and Enngonia could be impacted by ongoing isolations of up to six weeks if major flooding occurs from Sunday.
Assistant Commissioner Malone said the NSW SES was well-resourced to respond to the long-term flooding in Western NSW and has air assets in place to assist communities for resupply and rescues if required.
“Flood waters are slow moving in Western catchments and flooding is expected to remain at moderate to major levels for some time as floodwater moves into the Darling Basin system. This will isolate communities for extended periods while flooding peaks and then recedes,” he said.
“SES teams and assets have been pre-positioned throughout high-risk locations, and we’re assisted by our emergency service partners from Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.”
High Clearance Vehicles have been repositioned in Lismore, Grafton, Moree and Bourke, and air assets have been deployed to Bourke, Lightning Ridge, Moree, Narrabri, Grafton and Casino.
To stay across the latest warnings and information, download the Hazards Near Me app.
For emergency assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. If it’s life threatening, call Triple Zero (000).
Photo: The Mehi River in Moree - 1 April 2025
Media enquiries: NSW SES Media on 1800 067 234