Evacuations and sandbagging are continuing across central NSW as rivers swell to near record levels, despite a brief reprieve from rainfall.
Major flooding will continue in NSW’s inland catchments on Friday, despite much of the state being bathed in sunshine on Thursday, weather bureau senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said.
“It is extremely wet out there and many areas are experiencing major flooding right now, even though the sun is shining,” he said.
The central west towns of Condoblin and Euabalong are now bracing for the worst after the Lachlan River reached 1.7m upstream at Forbes, just a fraction below the 1.8m peak recorded in 1952.
Thousands of Forbes residents were forced out of their homes by rising waters on Wednesday, as SES volunteers responded to those requiring assistance.
Heavy flooding will continue in Forbes and nearby Cottons Weir over Friday and into the weekend, as a prolonged peak passes through the battered town.
Downstream of Forbes, residents in low-lying areas of Condobolin and Euabalong have been urged to evacuate, while others braced to be cut off, with the Murray expected to peak on Monday.
Major flooding is also occurring around Hay as the Murrumbidgee River remains high.
Mildura and Boundary Bend are also on alert, as the Murray River and surrounding tributaries remain swollen.
Much of the country’s southeast will experience clear conditions on Friday morning, before thunderstorms return to western NSW in the evening, Mr Narramore said.
Thunderstorms will be widespread across NSW on Saturday, before easing on Sunday afternoon.
Renewed showers are not expected to pose a flood risk.
“For our flood-affected areas of central and northern New South Wales, we’re only expecting light hit-and-miss falls,” Mr Narramore said.
A group of 180 Australian Defence Force personnel were deployed to the region on Wednesday afternoon to help deal with the disaster.
Some 18 Singaporean water rescue specialists also arrived in Sydney on Thursday to assist with the flood rescue effort.
The crews will undergo training before being sent to Parkes and Wagga in the coming days to help with flood rescues and evacuations.
In the 24 hours to Thursday afternoon, the SES received 284 calls for assistance and performed seven flood rescues.
© AAP 2022
