MONDAY 7.30PM
Lachlan River levels at Nanami are now higher than 2016 flood levels, with the peak still to come.
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At 7.30pm, the river had reached 12.43m at Nanami and was expected to peak overnight. According to NSW Water, it was "steady" at the time.
The river is expected to reach the moderate flood level in Forbes tonight and into Tuesday, and the major flood level Tuesday night heading into Wednesday.
At 7pm it was at 9.33, within the minor flood range.
Predictions of the peak and of downstream impacts will be firmed up once the peak at Nanami is observed.
An evacuation warning does remain in place, with SES volunteers reaching out to community members who could be impacted.
Mayor Phyllis Miller says the community is well prepared, with the support of State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and community volunteers, the SES also has advice for residents.
Roads are now impacted by floodwater, links to updated information below, and the mayor has issued a reminder not to drive into floodwater or around road closure signs.
MONDAY MORNING
The Bureau of Meteorology is still waiting to see the flood peak at Nanami before predicting what height the Lachlan River may reach in Forbes and downstream.
Flood waters from Cowra combined with flood waters from the Belubula River have caused major flooding at Nanami where river levels are likely to peak Monday afternoon.
In a flood bulletin issued before 8am Monday, the BOM reiterated advice the magnitude of the current flood at Nanami and Forbes may be similar to the September 2016 flood.
The Lachlan River at Nanami is likely to peak near 12.20 metres Monday afternoon with major flooding. If eventuated, this level would be slightly higher than the September 2016 flood peak.
The Lachlan River is already at minor flood levels at Cottons Weir, Forbes Iron Bridge and Jemalong, but all sites are expected to reach the moderate flood level Monday.
Red Bend Catholic College has closed, with students in Years 7 to 11 returning to online learning.
Monday morning river heights:
Iron Bridge in Forbes: 9.10m and rising at 7.30am Monday
Cottons Weir: 5.12m and rising at 7.30am Monday
Jemalong Weir (downstream): 7.35m and rising at 6.45am Monday
Predictions:
Iron Bridge in Forbes: Exceed moderate flood level (9.5m) Monday afternoon and major flood level (10.55m) Tuesday morning. Further rises to 10.65m early Wednesday morning are possible.
Cottons Weir: Exceed moderate flood level (5.3m) midday Monday and major flood level (6.6m) Tuesday morning. It may rise to 7.2m Wednesday morning.
Jemalong Weir (downstream): Exceed moderate flood level (7.5m) Monday afternoon and major flood level (7.7m) during Wednesday. Further rises are possible with predictions made after upstream peaks are observed.
Flood preparation
A flood evacuation advice has been issued for some residential areas of Forbes and a walk-through evacuation centre will open at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Harold Street from 10am to 6pm.
Road closures
Water is now impacting roads with the Escort Way and Lachlan Valley Way closed to all traffic, and water over other roads.
Updates at LiveTraffic for major roads and Forbes Shire Council for local roads.
Flood safety
In life threatening emergencies, call 000 (triple zero) immediately. If you require rescue, assistance to evacuate or other emergency help, ring NSW SES on 132 500.
- * Avoid drowning. Stay out of rising water, seek refuge in the highest available place.
- * Prevent damage to your vehicle. Move it under cover, away from areas likely to flood.
- * Avoid being swept away. Stay out of fast-flowing creeks and storm drains.
- * Never drive, ride or walk through flood water. Flood water can be deceptive and dangerous.
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