Flooded central NSW region faces summer submerged

With river systems and dams saturated, the Bureau of Meteorology has warned central NSW could face renewed major flooding for months to come.

A boy helps with the heavy lifting as the people of Forbes stock up on sandbags ahead of a forecast flood peak on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

A grim warning has been issued for central NSW, with major flooding for months to come ­because of saturated river systems and dams at full capacity.

Forbes faces the worst flood levels in 70 years, with the Lachlan River expected to peak at 10.8m on Saturday, surpassing levels last seen in 1952.

Jordan Notaro, senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, said it would likely be “weeks or months” before ­floodwaters ease – and only if the area receives no additional rain. He said that was highly ­unlikely.

“The significant thing is ­floodwaters are taking a long time to move down the river systems,” Mr Notaro said.

“But the wider reasoning why there’s flooding inland is the consecutive three years of heavy rain events, the higher number of saturated soils and the dams themselves have been generally at full capacity for quite a number of months.

“So any additional rainfall will cause renewed flooding.”

Unlike the rapid floods that lashed Lismore and northern NSW earlier this year, central NSW was seeing “slow rising and slow receding” floodwaters after a “winter-like” weather system hit the area last week.

More than a thousand Forbes residents have evacuated, with the neighbouring towns of ­Nanami and Condobolin also ­impacted by the rising waters. Flood levels aren’t expected to fall for at least a week.

The Lachlan River in Forbes is expected to peak at 10.8m on Saturday, surpassing levels last seen in 1952. Picture: Getty Images

NSW SES has issued 22 emergency warnings and 58 watch-and-act alerts across the state.

Major flooding along the Murrumbidgee River has also seen thousands of Wagga Wagga and Gumly Gumly residents flee after evacuation orders were issued on Thursday night.

After continuous rain and spills from Burrinjuck and ­Blowering dams saw water levels rise, the Murrumbidgee River ­finally peaked at 9.72m on ­Friday, similar to levels last seen in 2010.

“With inland catchments saturated and many dams at capacity in NSW, waterways will remain sensitive to rainfall, with some flooding expected to continue for several months,” NSW SES said in a statement.

“Over the last 24 hours, NSW SES has responded to 345 ­requests for assistance, with 14 flood rescues throughout southern and western parts of the state.”

Sate Emergency Minister Stephanie Cooke also warned “blue skies” do not mean the flood risks are over.

“We are expecting record-breaking levels in the days ahead,” Ms Cooke said on Friday. “While weather conditions are easing for a short period of time right across NSW, the flood risks have not.”

Lachlan River is expected to continue flooding as Wyangala Dam spills into the river system. Eight other river systems are ­currently experiencing major flooding.

NSW SES has urged residents to frequently check alerts for their areas and to plan ahead for evacuation or even isolation.

“NSW SES is continuing to provide additional support to communities through fodder drops, livestock relocation, resupply and sandbagging,” the emergency service said.