MAJOR flooding will continue to affect parts of central western NSW well into October as inundated catchments struggle to cope with the record-breaking rainfall this month.
Forbes residents waited patiently last Sunday night to see if floodwaters would inundate their evacuated homes.
The river's peak of 10.67 metres was enough to cover parks and streets and enter some houses, according to reports.
Major flooding had developed in the Lachlan River Catchment after a remarkably wet start to spring.
Some areas have already recorded two to four month's worth of rain so far this September.
As of 9am yesterday, Parkes had recorded a total of 171 millimetres of rain during the month.
This makes it their wettest September in at least 127 years of records.
Nearby, Forbes had recorded 108mm, which is its highest September total in 11 years and more than double its long-term average for the month.
Unfortunately, two more weather systems moving across NSW during the next week will drop more rain into already inundated catchments, including the Lachlan River.
The first system is a cold front and complex low pressure system, causing rain today and on Friday.
The Central West and South West Slopes could record rainfall totals of 20mm to 40mm during this two day period, with isolated higher totals.
Another round of rain and possibly thunderstorms will arrive on Sunday night and Monday.
This system has the potential to bring about another 5mm to 15mm to the central and southern slopes and ranges.
Based on the amount of water already in river systems and the expected rainfall over the next week, major flooding is likely to continue for some areas well into next month.
The major flood peak in the Lachlan River that affected Forbes last weekend is predicted to reach Hillston around October 20.
- Visit weatherzone.com.au
