Flooding has forced more than 2000 people from their homes in northern NSW and isolated 11,000 people, while Moree braces for its worst floods in 36 years.
The Mehi River at Moree was sitting at 10.58 metres about 7am and was rising slowly, the Bureau of Meteorology warned.
It was expected to rise slightly above its expected peak of 10.6 metres.
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"That's a major flood and what that will mean for Moree is that they will have a similar flood to the large one they experienced in 1976," NSW State Emergency Service spokesman Andrew Richards said.
"That’s basically the same predicted height."
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About 1600 people were evacuated from homes in north Moree and many were moved to a PCYC.
A further 680 people were evacuated from Pallamallawa and Biniguy, two small towns east of Moree, and residents of Gravesend were isolated this morning.
Wee Waa, south of Moree, was cut off by major flooding of the Namoi River overnight, Mr Richards said.
The town of just over 2000 people was given an evacuation warning, meaning residents were asked to be prepared to leave their homes.
Photo: The Moree Champion, Narrabri Courier, SES and Bill Poulos
Others isolated by flooding included residents at Harrington, on the mid-north coast.
Mr Richards said the SES had recently assisted in about 12 flood rescues, including people who had driven into floodwater or needed medical relocations.
Deputy state emergency operations controller, Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch, reminded people in flooded areas about the dangers of getting in the water.
"The public is also being reminded that floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away," Mr Murdoch said in a statement.
"Everyone should always remember to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
"With rain continuing to fall, the community is urged not to take risks, to listen to the emergency services and to take care.
"The simple message is – if it is flooded, forget it."
Mr Murdoch said people in flood affected areas should keep listening to the radio or check emergency services websites for the latest flood updates.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner are due to tour flood-affected parts of Moree this morning.
SES briefs NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell on the floods. Picture: Brad Burden/@bradburden1 (via Twitter)
A further 680 people were evacuated from Pallamallawa and Biniguy, two small towns east of Moree, and residents of Gravesend were isolated this morning.
Wee Waa, south of Moree, was cut off by major flooding of the Namoi River overnight, Mr Richards said.
The town of just over 2000 people was given an evacuation warning, meaning residents were asked to be prepared to leave their homes.
Others isolated by flooding included residents at Harrington, on the mid-north coast.
Mr Richards said the SES had recently assisted in about 12 flood rescues, including people who had driven into floodwater or needed medical relocations.
Deputy state emergency operations controller, Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch, reminded people in flooded areas about the dangers of getting in the water.
"The public is also being reminded that floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away," Mr Murdoch said in a statement.
"Everyone should always remember to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater.
"With rain continuing to fall, the community is urged not to take risks, to listen to the emergency services and to take care.
"The simple message is – if it is flooded, forget it."
Mr Murdoch said people in flood affected areas should keep listening to the radio or check emergency services websites for the latest flood updates.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner are due to tour flood-affected parts of Moree this morning.
The federal government has announced that disaster funding will be available for those in Tenterfield, Greater Taree, Moree, Narrabri and Gwydir local government areas.
- with AAP
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