The NSW SES has issued a Flood Watch for the Wilsons and Richmond Rivers with the pending weather system moving in over the next two days.

As reported yesterday on the Lismore App (One more patch of intense rain before we see four sunny days) Thursday is likely to see up to 45mm with another 40mm on Friday before we hit a run of sunny days.

Minor flooding is possible from Friday as a coastal trough is bringing persistent showers across the north east coast of New South Wales from Wednesday. This may cause minor flooding along the Richmond and Wilsons Rivers from Friday.

River level rises have been observed from recent moderate rainfall in the Northern Rivers. Further showers are likely to result in renewed rises.

The Bureau is continuing to monitor the situation and will issue further catchment specific warnings if and when required.

Catchments are wet following recent rainfall

The weather system is expected to cause flooding for the catchments listed from Friday. Flood Classes (minor, moderate, major) are only defined for catchments where the Bureau provides a flood warning service.

What we are expecting:

Based on this prediction there is a chance flooding developing in the following catchments:

Wilsons River               minor flooding

Richmond River            minor flooding

Minor flood levels

Low-lying areas next to water courses are inundated. Minor roads may be closed and low-level bridges submerged. In urban areas inundation may affect some backyards and buildings below the floor level as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths. In rural areas removal of stock and equipment may be required.

What you need to do:

•      Never drive, walk or play in flood waters.

•      Share this information with family and friends for their awareness.

•      Farmers are advised to monitor rainfall and river levels and be ready to move their livestock, pumps and other equipment away from rising waters.

•      Oyster Lease Operators are advised to monitor the rivers for possible rises and be ready to move equipment.

If so, the Bureau will issue Flood Warnings along with the State Emergency Service who will release Flood Bulletins to tell you about the situation and what you should do to protect your family and property.

Please listen carefully to these bulletins

For more information:

•   Flood preparation advice www.ses.nsw.gov.au

•   Road information, for local roads contact Council or log onto www.myroadinfo.com.au

•   Road information on State Government managed roads go to the Live Traffic NSW website at http://livetraffic.rta.nsw.gov.au

•   Rural animal and livestock assistance contact your Local Land Services Office

•   You can find more information on the severe weather warnings and river levels from Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au

For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.