The Bureau of Meterology (BoM) has issued a flood watch for Northern Rivers catchments.

The flood watch includes possible minor to moderate flooding of the Wilsons River, with any riverine flooding not expected until at least Saturday.

The potential minor flooding warning comes with a Severe Weather Warning for the area, including heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding.

“At this stage, a coastal trough is developing and forecast to bring widespread rainfall to the Mid North Coast today and is expected to track northwards on Saturday,” the BoM reported.

“A coastal low may develop off the coast of southeast Queensland from Sunday bringing intense rainfall and flooding to Northern Rivers.

“At this stage, riverine response to this rain is not expected until Saturday. High water levels due to spring tides are also forecast over the next few days, which adds to the risk of flooding in lower tidal areas.”

Flood Safety Advice:

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop.

Flood Warnings will be issued if Minor Flood Level is expected to be exceeded at key sites along the main rivers for which the Bureau of Meteorology provides a flood warning service.

Severe Weather Warnings will be issued or updated if very heavy rain is forecast or observed.

For the latest flood and weather warnings see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/warnings/

For the latest rainfall and weather forecasts see www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye/

For the latest rainfall and river level information see www.bom.gov.au/nsw/flood

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500

For life threatening emergencies, call 000 immediately