Emergency services and volunteers from SES, RFS and police are doorknocking more than 400 Forbes residents and businesses in low-lying areas following the formal issuing of an evacuation order.
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The order was given at 11am, with residents to be asked to evacuate - preferably to friends and family - but 9pm Tuesday night.
Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller said more than 400 homes had been doorknocked to advise them of the potential impact of flooding, and would be advised further.
"At the moment, we hoping that everyone is taking care of themselves, taking care of their properties, knowing that the SES have sandbags," she said.
"Please take care, stay safe.
"Please don't drive into floodwater."
Floodwaters will progressively close roads and access will be cut so do not delay moving.
The following information has been published by NSW SES:
NSW SES expects that some properties in the following areas may become flood affected:
South of Bathurst Street: River Road, Church Street, College Road, Wambat Street, Stacey Street, Stokes Street, Reymond Street, Lachlan Valley Way, Koala Place, Wandary Lane, Muscat Street, and Claret Street
East of Ooma Street/Ferry Street: Blackwood Lane, Lower Bathurst Street, Cargo Lane, Ferry Street, Bathurst Street, Riflerange Road, The Escort Way, Twogood Lane, and Ooma Street
Between Lake Forbes and Ooma Street: Herbert Street, Hill Street, Clarke Street, Bridge Street, Bandon Street, Ferry Street, Flint Street, and Barwin Street
North Forbes and the CBD: Lachlan Street, Sherriff Street, Templar Street, Sir Frances Forbes Drive, Cross Street, Camp Street, Browne Street, Spring Street, Rankin Street, Lawler Street, Riley Street, Lower Rankin Street, and Clear Street
North East of Forbes Railway: Landacre Road, Jones Street, Sam Street (southern end of Doc Street), and Parkes Road
North of Newell Highway: Farrand Street, Press Street, Dowling Lane, Renfree Street, Farnell Street (southern end), Bedgerabong Road, Windsor Street, and Clarence Street
West Forbes (West of Wambat Street): Wambat Street, Berkley Street, Bathurst Street, Warrul Road, Newell Highway, River Road, Show Street, Marcia Street, Elizabeth Street, Linda Street,
Thelma Street, Hilda Street, Forrester Street, Junction Street, Racecourse Road, Lynette Street, Young Street, Margaret Street, Oxford Street, and Mona Street
Where to go if Evacuation is required: Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. If you are unable to, a walk through evacuation centre is set up at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 11 Harold Street, Forbes from 10am to 6pm.
What we are expecting:
Once flood water begins inundating the area road access, water, sewerage, power, phones and internet may be lost. If you remain in the area you will be trapped and it may be too dangerous for SES to rescue you.
What you need to do:
Low lying properties
* Lift possessions and important items above the predicted flood height of 10.65m
* Take pets, essential items, warm clothes, medicines, insurance documents and valuables with you.
* Leave as early as possible to avoid restricted roads.
* Share this information with family, friends and neighbours and help others where possible.
Health and safety, for your safety and those around you:
* Take a 'grab bag'/emergency backpack. You should also include disposable tissues, alcohol?based hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes, and face masks for each person to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
* Under COVID-19 restrictions, if you are given advice to leave early or evacuate, the best option is to stay with friends or family in a safe location.
* Follow safety precautions when using transportation to evacuate. If you have to travel away from your community to evacuate, follow safety precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
