The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a flood watch for the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers from Saturday.

The Wilsons River flood watch is for minor to moderate flooding, while the Richmond River is for minor flooding.

Widespread rain and strong winds are forecast along the Northern Rivers throughout Friday and into the weekend. The Bureau is forecasting 15-70mm for Saturday. 80mm has fallen in the last 24 hours at the Lismore airport.

Moderate flooding is possible along the Wilsons River at Lismore over the weekend.

A low-pressure system is forecast to form off the north coast today (Friday, 27 September), bringing heavy rainfall totals that are forecast to exceed 100mm in a 24-hour period. 

Catchments in the Northern Rivers are relatively wet.

There remains high levels of uncertainty in the timing and location of the heaviest falls.

The Bureau is continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updated advice as required. Catchment specific flood warnings will be issued if and when required.

While the NSW SES has prepositioned assets and personnel ahead of the weather, North Eastern Deputy Zone Commander, Superintendent Scott McLennan urged the community to know their risks and prepare for possible flash flooding and riverine rises.

“Residents and visitors to the Northern Rivers, Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast this weekend should download the Hazards Near Me app and set up local watch zones to stay across the latest warnings and information,” Superintendent McLennan said. 

“Taking the time now to prepare homes, clear your gutters, check on neighbours, stock-up on essentials, and review emergency plans, will ensure you’re as prepared as possible.” 

Superintendent McLennan said flash flooding and riverine rises were the main risk associated with the forecast weather front, and urged people to never drive, walk or ride through flood waters. 

“Flash flooding can happen quickly and without warning and I urge the public to stop, turn around and find an alternate route should they come across a flooded road this weekend,” he said. 

“People across the region should monitor the weather and road conditions closely, to ensure they can make informed and safe decisions early, based on individual circumstances.” 

The NSW SES urges all residents and visitors to consider their travel plans, and not undertake any unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall period. 

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

You can view the BOMs weather and radar through the Lismore App Weather and Weather Radar, which includes all warnings.

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 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