Residents across the North Coast are being warned to prepare for possible flash flooding and minor river rises as widespread rainfall moves across northeastern New South Wales.
The NSW State Emergency Service said flash flooding had already started occurring across parts of the North Coast as persistent rainfall continued to build on already saturated catchments.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for the Richmond, Wilsons, Orara, Bellinger and Nambucca Rivers, as well as Coffs Creek, with minor flooding possible from Monday evening.
Moderate rainfall totals of between 40mm and 70mm are forecast across the region, with isolated heavier falls of 100mm to 150mm possible in slow-moving thunderstorms.
Catchments across northeastern NSW are already wet to moderately wet following recent rain.
Communities including Bellingen, Coutts Crossing, Coffs Harbour and Thora have been placed under advice-level warnings, with authorities urging residents to monitor conditions closely.
The NSW SES said crews in Coffs Harbour responded over the weekend after a tree fell onto a house, causing property damage.
“With the current wet weather and soft ground conditions, trees can become unstable without much warning,” they said.
Residents are being urged to check properties for leaning or damaged trees and avoid parking vehicles beneath large trees during the severe weather.
Authorities warned flash flooding could occur rapidly and without significant warning.
“Steer clear of floodwaters – if you come across a flooded road, turn around and find an alternative route,” the NSW SES said.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also warned minor flooding may develop at Tumbulgum and Chinderah overnight Monday into Tuesday.
Moderate to heavy rainfall since Sunday night has caused river level rises across the Tweed catchment, with further rainfall forecast through Monday night before conditions ease on Tuesday.
The Tweed River at Tumbulgum was at 0.21m AHD on Monday and steady, below the minor flood level of 1.40m AHD. However, the Bureau warned the river may exceed the minor flood level overnight Monday into Tuesday, with further rises possible depending on rainfall.
At Chinderah, the Tweed River was sitting at minus 0.02m AHD and steady on Monday, below the minor flood level of 1.30m AHD. Forecast rainfall could see the river reach around the minor flood level overnight Monday into Tuesday.
Minor flooding is also considered possible in the Tweed and Rous Rivers, Wilsons River, Richmond River, Orara River, Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, the Nambucca River and along the Coffs Coast.
Emergency services are reminding residents not to drive, walk, swim or play in floodwaters, warning that floodwater can contain hidden dangers including strong currents, debris and damaged road surfaces.
People are also being advised to stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams and waterways and obey all road closure signs.
The NSW SES is encouraging residents to download the Hazards Near Me app to receive local warnings and updates.
For the latest flood warnings and weather information, residents can visit Bureau of Meteorology warnings and Bureau of Meteorology flood information.
NSW SES warnings and emergency advice are available through the NSW SES website.
For emergency assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).