Severe weather has caused major to moderate flooding across the state, as the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) urges residents to remain vigilant and not become complacent.
While rainfall eased on Sunday afternoon riverine rises are occurring in the Hunter and New England, with several catchments across the regions under NSW SES flood warnings.
In the New England area, major flooding is expected tonight on the Peel and Namoi Rivers at Tamworth, Manilla and Gunnedah, with residents advised to prepare to evacuate and not enter floodwaters.
An Emergency Warning has been issued for low lying parts of Gunnedah, asking people to evacuate before 4pm Sunday due to moderate flooding occurring, and major flooding forecast into Monday.
Localised flooding remains in the Tamworth CBD, and the local council is pumping water out of the area. The Oxley Highway between Gunnedah and Tamworth is impacted by floodwater and is closed.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Nicole Hogan ESM said rivers can rise quickly, as seen in Scone overnight, and urged residents to heed the warnings.
"We ask people in the areas expected to see major flooding should start enacting their emergency plans - that means getting your emergency kit together and knowing where you will go if you need to leave," Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
"Those in the area could become isolated without power, water and other essential services."
Meanwhile in the Upper Hunter, the Hunter River at Muswellbrook peaked close to major flooding levels throughout Sunday but is now falling, while major flooding is likely at Denman Sunday afternoon. And in Maitland people have been warned to prepare to isolate due to floodwaters.
Moderate flooding is expected on the Paterson and Williams Rivers, while minor flood warnings have been issued for the Myall, Severn, Manning, Gloucester, Macleay, Nepean, Gwydir Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.
Assistant Commissioner Hogan said NSW SES has responded to 18 flood rescues, with the majority for vehicles being driven into floodwaters.
"We implore the community to never, under any circumstance, drive through floodwaters. If you come across a flooded road, turn around and find another way," Assistant Commissioner Hogan said.
Damaging winds were also experienced across the northern coast and fringe today, but will ease tonight.
About 1,500 volunteers have been activated as the NSW SES responds to more than 1,800 incidents since the onset of the severe weather.
To stay across the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app or visit the NSW SES website.
If you need assistance during storms and floods, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
