Flood evacuations in central west NSW

FLOODING in central western NSW has forced the evacuation of two dozen properties.

FLOODING in central western NSW has forced the evacuation of two dozen properties.

At Eugowra, the Mandagery Creek peaked at 9.05 metres about 1.30am (AEDT), causing major flooding.

State Emergency Services (SES) spokesman Phil Campbell has told AAP the flooding is not as severe as when the creek last overflowed two weeks ago, but twelve properties in low-lying areas had to be evacuated.

Yesterday, twelve properties in the Georges Plains and Perthville areas south of Bathurst were evacuated after flash flooding.

The SES is monitoring water levels and residents in both areas may be able to return to their properties later today.

At Canowindra there has also been major flooding, closing roads but not forcing any evacuations.

Meanwhile, there are flood warnings in place for the northeast of the state and one town in the south.

The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting more heavy rain on Monday from Lismore to Tweed Heads in the northeast and has issued a warning of moderate to major flooding.

In the south, an evacuation warning has been issued for a small number of properties in South Hay.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts the Murrumbidgee River at Hay will peak around 8.5 metres on today.

The levee at South Hay is only 9.0 metres at its lowest point and the SES says a safety factor of 0.5 metres is necessary.

It says residents in Lang Street should prepare themselves for the unlikely but possible occurrence of flooding above floor level. It also warns that if this happens, homes may become a refuge for vermin, snakes and spiders.

Meanwhile, on Lord Howe Island, the weather bureau has warned that heavy rainfall and gale force winds are expected as a low pressure system passes close to the island.

Rain and winds are expected to increase during the morning, with peak wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h and possible localised flash flooding.

Other parts of NSW are still recovering from the worst flooding in decades, caused by heavy rain through December.

There are 49 natural disaster zones currently declared by the NSW Government.