While flooding in Forbes has surpassed the 1990 floods, in which the Lachlan River reached 10.65m, the worst is now being predicted to hit next week.
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a moderate to major flood warning for the Lachlan River.
Flooding in Forbes on Sunday.
More than 230 families had been evacuated from the area.
The SES had received more than 2000 requests for assistance and was expecting more as waters rise further.
7 News understands 15-20 homes have been impacted by floodwaters, however the extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
Flood waters gushing over Johnny Woods Crossing in Forbes.
An evacuation centre is operating at the Forbes High School.
Overnight the SES released a map of the evacuation order.
‘This will be a rolling cycle of flooding through communities in the Central West part of that state as rain comes in again later this week, ‘ SES acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Morrow told the Seven Network.
The river peaked at 10.67 metres at the Forbes Iron Bridge at about 9:30pm on Sunday.
River conditions Monday morning.
Farmers in flood-affected regions are nervously waiting to see how much damage has been done to crops once the waters recede, a NSW Farmers spokesman said.
Emergency service workers were rushing to help property owners remove livestock.
The river is expected to peak at 10.7 metres later today, half a metre higher than expected, and residents have been warned the flooding could result in Forbes being split in two.
Businesses and homes in Forbes have prepared for flooding by blocking entrances with sandbags.
Dept Cmr Morrow urged the public to pay close attention to evacuation orders and warned the worst was yet to come with heavy rains set to continue through to Thursday.
Residents have been ordered to leave their homes by 5pm on Saturday.
“It’s a unsafe place to be, although the river seems to have peaked overnight water will still rise around those properties”, Dept Cmr Morrow said.
“It’s pretty imminent, if it gets any higher we could be in trouble”.
“Not only blocked off, those that are in town, but also a lot of the properties of course will be isolated for some time and they won’t be able to come to town”, he said.
The flooding will have a flow on affect for food stocks around the country.
Five Australian Defence Force trucks were assisting with emergency transport in and around Forbes on Sunday.
NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant warned the flooding would have a long-term impact on farming communities. You could become trapped and need rescue.
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“People who drive into floodwaters placed themselves in real danger”, he said.
