The NSW SES has issued a Flood Watch for the Wilsons River for minor to moderate flooding and the Richmond River for minor flooding.

A low-pressure system within a trough over northeast NSW is forecast to deepen tonight before moving into the Tasman Sea later Friday. Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for the Northern Rivers during Thursday and Friday.

Minor to moderate flooding is possible in several coastal river catchments in the Northern Rivers from Thursday.

Coastal catchments are wetter than average for this time of year.

A Severe Weather Warning is current for the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast.

The weather system may cause flooding for the catchments listed from Thursday. Flood classifications (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 75% chance of flooding developing in the following catchments:

•      Tweed and Rouse Rivers - minor to moderate flooding

•      Brunswick River and Marshalls Creek - minor to moderate flooding

•      Wilsons River - minor to moderate flooding

•      Richmond River - minor flooding

•      Orara River - minor flooding

•      Coffs Coast

•      Bellinger and Kalang Rivers - minor flooding

•      Nambucca River - minor flooding

•      Macleay River - minor flooding

•      Hastings River - minor flooding

•      Camden Haven River - minor flooding

•      Manning and Gloucester Rivers - minor flooding

•      Goulburn and Upper Hunter Rivers - minor flooding

•      Wollombi Brook and Lower Hunter River - minor to moderate 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.

Moderate flood levels

In addition to the above, the area of inundation is more substantial. Main traffic routes may be affected. Some buildings may be affected above the floor level. Evacuation of flood-affected areas may be required. In rural areas removal of stock is required.

What you need to do:

•      Never drive, ride, 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.

•      When checking on your property and livestock, do it in daylight, advise someone of your whereabouts and how long you will be, and remember just because it was ok last time, doesn’t mean it is safe this time.

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.

You can also access the BOM information via the Lismore App Weather and Weather Radar.

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.