Todays heavy rain has, not surprisingly, reignited the Wilson River levels. The Bureau of Meteorology says that Moderate flooding is possible in Lismore tonight.

From 9am to 6pm we have recorded 200.8mm at the Lismore Airport so the BOM advises that flood levels may reach 7.20 metres at 8pm with further rises depending on the amount of rainfall we receive in the next 12 hours.

The worrying news is that further heavy showers are moving southward from the Tweed towards the Lismore area tonight. The way this La Nina pattern has developed this week there are no assurances that it will hit or miss Lismore again.

The better news is that the Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall has left the Northern Rivers and is heading south tomorrow. The forecast is for 4-10mm in what looks likely to be a cleanup day for many businesses in the CBD.

There was some mention of the Councils pumps on social media today and there effectiveness but simply put, the pumps pump out 5mm per hour when the river level rises but when you get large volumes of water dumped in the CBD in short space of time they cannot cope.

Uncle Lims is one that loses Christmas Party revenue tonight as the basement has taken on water. Owner Ethan Lim says he will be open again tomorrow night.

Northern Rivers Collectables and other surrounding businesses including the caravan park will also be busy with clean up in the next 24 hours.

The earlier traffic carnage on Ballina Road has cleared but Dawson Street remains closed between Leycester and Magellan Streets.

Police are encouraging people to stay out of the CBD area and not drive through flood waters, especially at night.

This was the scene on Wyrallah Road, East Lismore this afternoon. Video sent by Jessica Mills.

Emily Joose took these photos at the lights looking at Ballina Road.

Service station and cars under at Dawson and Woodlark Streets.

The NSW SES advise if you require SES assistance including sandbags, call 132 500. If it is a life-threatening emergency call 000.

Flood Safety Advice from the NSW SES:

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