Heavens open in northern NSW

Some farmers are expecting to empty up to 100mm of rain out of the gauge in the next couple of days. See the latest outlook.

Farmers have started moving machinery to higher ground and preparing for an autumn deluge over the next few days.

Some farmers could become isolated if roads are cut as a result of the heavy falls that are tipped to arrive from Thursday afternoon until Sunday.

Horticultural producers at Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast and cropping farmers at Moree in northern NSW are bracing for more than 100mm.

In southern NSW and northern Victoria, the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting more conservative rainfall of up to 40mm across three days that is set to arrive in time for the start of winter-crop sowing.

Paul Shoker at Coffs Harbour grows avocados and bananas and was busy preparing for the rain on Thursday.

“We could get anywhere from 80mm to 100mm in our region,” he said.

“There was drizzle on Thursday morning, and I have been moving machinery to higher ground and into sheds.”

The harvest of bananas was wrapped up on Wednesday in preparation for the rain.

Mr Shoker said the rain could potentially isolate his property, but he was more concerned about windy conditions.

“If there is wind in the system, that can be damaging,” he said.

Pat Bourke of Urana in southern NSW. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

The property receives an average annual rainfall of 1600mm; however, it has been as high as 3000mm in the past couple of years.

Up until now, the season has been dry at Moree, and cotton picking is underway, with the BOM forecasting 80mm for the region from Thursday evening until Saturday morning.

The forecast is similar to the south at Tamworth, with cattle producer Norm Thomas saying he will welcome the falls as he prepares to sow winter crops.

“Between Tamworth and Coonabarabran it is absolutely drought stricken and that is an important area for cattle fattening,” he said.

Mr Thomas estimated to see falls of 50mm to 100mm over the next three days.

“We have already had 25mm in the past week,” he said.

He said once the ground dries out he would start sowing wheat and oats as grazing crops.

Forecasts for the NSW-Victorian border region are more conservative, with cropping and livestock producers hoping the rain event will deliver a beneficial break before sowing.

Federation Shire Mayor Pat Bourke said there was optimism around Urana, and people hoped to receive 20mm to 40mm.

“People want to sow, and they are getting organised ... it would be a beautiful start to the season,” he said.

Cr Bourke said the rain would also bring cooler weather, allowing the region to enjoy a reprieve from the recent humidity.