Today the Bureau of Meteorology issued an updated Flood Watch for the Macleay, Hastings and Manning Rivers with another severe weather system expected to impact the region from Friday afternoon.

Over the course Wednesday night heavy rainfall in the Macleay, Hastings and Manning areas led to 122 calls for assistance to the NSW SES from residents seeking help in dealing with leaking roofs and flash flooding.

The updated Flood Watch includes the possibility of minor to moderate flooding on the Macleay, moderate flooding in the Hastings and minor to moderate flooding on the Manning River.

If the moderate flood levels are reached then there is potential for residents who live along side these river systems to be impacted by road closures and the possible inundation of low lying properties and rural areas.

NSW SES Mid North Coast Region is urging residents to use the break in the weather tomorrow to make preparations for the severe weather predicted over the weekend.

NSW SES Mid North Coast Region Controller, Tony Day said, “NSW SES volunteers have done a great job over the last 48 hours in responding to requests for assistance. We have sought additional flood rescue resources and storm and water damage teams from out of the area to be deployed into the region in preparation for the weekend.”

Mr Day continued by saying, “We are asking the community to also take the opportunity tomorrow to make preparations for the expected heavy rainfall, flash and riverine flooding that is likely eventuate over the weekend. Again we are asking the community to not drive through flood water, to keep children away from flooded drains and creeks and prepare your properties now.”

Information on how residents can prepare for severe weather can be obtained by visiting the NSW SES website www.ses.nsw.gov.au .

For emergency assistance in storms and floods call the NSW SES on 132 500 and in life threatening situations call triple zero.

A low pressure trough will deepen off the northern New South Wales and persist into the weekend, with the potential for significant rainfall totals to build up in the northeast by the end of the week.

This rainfall has the potential to cause flooding to develop in the following river valleys: Macleay - minor flooding; Hastings - minor to moderate flooding.

Flooding will initially affect low-lying farmland and local roads near rivers and creeks.

Land owners and farmers adjacent to rivers and creeks should monitor river levels and the weather -

 Be ready to relocate or secure farm machinery, irrigation pumps and other equipment

 Plan/consider when to move livestock as roads may close early

 Be prepared to relocate or move livestock to higher ground

 Consider the impact of continued rainfall on business activities in and around the River

 Never drive ride or walk through floodwater

 For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500

 NSW SES website: www.ses.nsw.gov.au Flood Safe website: www.floodsafe.com.au

 In a life-threatening emergency call 000 (triple zero)

 Listen to the designated emergency broadcaster ABC Radio Mid North Coast and / or your local radio for further information

 Road information, for local roads contact Council or log onto http://midnorthcoast.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

 Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts and flood predictions including river height information are available at www.bom.gov.au

The SES is monitoring the situation. Keep listening to this radio station for updates.

A low pressure trough will deepen off the northern New South Wales coast on Wednesday and persist into the weekend, with the potential for significant rainfall totals to build up in the northeast by the end of the week.

This rainfall has the potential to cause flooding to develop in the following river valleys from Wednesday onwards:

 Macleay - minor flooding

 Hastings - minor to moderate flooding

The forecast is a heads up – this is not a Flood Warning. Predictions for the Macleay and Hastings River catchments indicate rain may be heavy enough to cause localised flooding in low-lying areas, as well as causing tributary creeks to break their banks.

 Farmers are advised to monitor the weather and be ready to move their livestock, pumps and other equipment away from rising waters

 Oyster Lease Operators are advised to monitor the river for possible rises and be ready to move equipment

 Rising river levels may result in the closure of low lying bridges at Toorooka, Bellbrook, Turners Flat, Temagog and Sherwood

If this weather system intensifies, flooding could develop in the Macleay and Hastings Rivers. 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.