NSW floods live updates: Rain to return as flood threat continues

While the rain has mostly cleared across flood-stricken areas today - and the Hawkesbury has already peaked -  communities are being warned to brace for more rain and renewed flooding by Sunday. 

The major flooding along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers has seen thousands evacuate and homes damaged - but the water has peaked below the March 2021 levels.

A morning flood update from the Bureau of Meteorology revealed major flooding was still underway at North Richmond, and moderate flooding at Windsor and Sackville.

But the river has peaked in both locations below the flood level seen in March 2021.

However, urgent evacuation orders have been issued for residents of Wisemans Ferry, Lower Portland and Cumberland Reach as floodwaters along the Hawkesbury move downstream and threaten low-lying homes.

An SES boat patrols the flooded waterways of the Hawkesbury River at Vineyard on Thursday. Picture: Jeremy Piper

"Along the Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean Rivers Major flooding continues at North Richmond where river levels peaked Thursday afternoon, below the March 2021 event," the BOM wrote."

"River levels at Windsor peaked below the major flood level (12.20m) early Friday morning."

Locals check out the flooded Hawkesbury River at the North Richmond bridge, which is underwater, on Thursday. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The Windsor Bridge partly submerged under rising floodwaters on Thursday. Picture: Getty

"The Hawkesbury River at North Richmond peaked at 12.95m around 02.45 pm Thursday and is currently at 12.24m and falling, with major flooding."

"The Hawkesbury River at Windsor  peaked at 11.99m around 02.30 am Friday, with moderate flooding."

Minor flooding is still happening in Penrith, while Wisemans Ferry and Lower Portland are on alert for moderate flooding.

Further rainfall is forecast on Friday which may result in extended flood peaks.

Read Friday morning's updates below.

Originally published as NSW floods live updates: Rain to return as flood threat continues