Unexpected heavy rainfall overnight has caused increased river level rises along the Leycester Creek and Wilsons River. The largest falls were at Terania Creek which received a further 175mm and Lilian Rock 179 after 9am yesterday and we can expect further heavy rainfall for Tuesday.

Minor flooding is occurring at Lismore.

A Severe Weather Warning for heavy rainfall is current for the Northern Rivers which should ease later tonight or early on Wednesday morning.

A minor flood warning is current for the Richmond River.

Wilsons River:

Minor flooding is occurring along the Wilsons River at Lismore where moderate flooding is likely on Wednesday.

The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is expected to exceed the moderate flood level (7.20 m) around 10:00 pm today (Tuesday). The river level may reach around 7.80 metres around 02:00 am Wednesday with moderate flooding.

What we are expecting:

• People upstream of the Rowing Club River Gauge should allow for a level at least 1/2 metre higher than the gauge reading due to the flood slope.
• Residents and businesses in the Lismore Basin may experience localised flash flooding prior to river rises.
• A number of low lying rural roads will be flooded.

AT Lismore, based on the prediction provided by the Bureau of Meteorology it is expected the following locations will be affected:

• Low lying farmland and rural properties
• Hensley Car Park next to Sportspower near Fawcett's Bridge
• Lower Rowing Club Car Park
• Bridge Street next to McKenzie Park in North Lismore
• Orion Street near Simes Bridge
• Simes Bridge
• Bridge Street at Slater Creek
• Trinity College Car Park at Brunswick Street
• Woodlawn Road near the Turf Club
• Alexandra Parade near the showground entrance
• Caniaba Road near the airport
• Lower parts of Trinity College on Brunswick Street
• Low lying properties in North Lismore

What you need to do:

People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding need to consider the following:

• If you are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so
• If your property/business is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or tables, placing electrical items on top
• Secure outside belongings and before leaving; turn off the power, water and take essential medicines and clothes with you
• Monitor emergency warnings and severe weather updates
• Never drive, ride or walk through flood water
• Farmers are advised to monitor equipment and livestock and should move machinery, livestock, pumps and fodder including waste and chemical containers to well above predicted flood levels.

Flood Safety Advice:

In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.

• * Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
• * Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
• * Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
• * Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.

For more emergency information, advice, and access to the latest river heights and rainfall observations and forecasts:

* NSW SES: www.ses.nsw.gov.au

* RMS Live Traffic: www.livetraffic.com

* Latest River Heights and Rainfall Observations: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood/northcoast.shtml

* Latest NSW Warnings: www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

* Rainfall Forecasts: www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

* BOM NSW Twitter: www.twitter.com/BOM_NSW

Next Issue:

The next warning will be issued by 09:00 am EDT on Tuesday 15 December 2020.