WHILE the North Coast is drenched by an East Coast low pressure system, the Northern Tabelands should enjoy some welcome falls.
The Northern Rivers is slated to receive as much as 300 millimetres by the end of the day, with heavy falls prompting a floodwatch warning.
The Bureau of Meteorology listed the Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond and Wilsons Rivers, and the Bellinger-Nambucca further south, as being at the greatest risk of moderate to major flooding.
While many producers around the Lismore. Casino and Grafton area were keen for some top-up rain to get winter pastures and crop along, anything over 80mm would probably cause more damage than good.
Soybean growers in particular, who have already started harvest or are due to get underway, are hoping the deluge does not destroy, right at the last minute, what is looking like a very good crop.
Farmers on the Northern Tablelands,are expecting smaller, but welcome, falls.
Good soaking rain is falling today, with a 90 per cent chance of 10mm to 20mm at Armidale, Guyra and Inverell.
Glen Innes and Tenterfield could receive between 20mm and 40mm and there's a 90 per cent chance of between 40mm and 80mm at Tabulam, east of Tenterfield.
Most areas on the North West Slopes and Plains, including Gunnedah, Tamworth, and Narrabri, are set to receive small falls between 5mm and 10mm, while there's a good chance of 10mm to 20mm at Moree and Ashford.
Both regions are expecting little rain over the weekend.
Most areas are expecting 5mm to 20mm today, with higher falls on Saturday.
Hunter Valley landholders should call the Contact the Agriculture and Emergency hotline for all animal and agricultural services on 1800 814 647
Farmers with animal emergencies or requiring animal rescues should contact the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 immediately.
Other key contacts
NSW State Emergency Service 13 25 00
Rural Assistance Authority 1800 678 593
Disaster Welfare Assistance 1800 018 444
