Forbes residents have been ordered to evacuate by the State Emergency Service as the town braces for major flooding.
The town in central-western NSW is expected to be hit by floodwaters from the Lachlan River as it reaches 10.65 metres by midday on Sunday.
Residents in Ferry Street, Yellow Box Rd, Browne St, Hills St, Riflerange Rd, Lachlan Valley Way, Lower Rankin St, Mole Ln, Ferry Street have been placed on flood evacuation notice.
Residents have been ordered to leave their homes by 5pm on Saturday and families heading west for the beginning of school holidays have been urged to avoid the area.
The order covers areas to the city's north, south, south-west, east and CBD, with flooding expected to reach the same levels as the waters that damaged 132 properties 26-years-ago.
If you’re in these areas, the State Emergency Service advises you prepare to evacuate and monitor the situation. A flood evacuation order will be issued if required.
The Lachlan River is expected to reach 10.6m at Forbes Iron Bridge on Sunday.
Wherever possible, people should go and stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements. For people who need assistance contact NSW State Emergency Service on 132500.
As you prepare for evacuation you should:
Raise belongings by placing them on tables, beds and benches. Put electrical items on top. You may be able to place light weight items in the roof space.
Collect together medicines, personal and financial documents, mementos and photos
If possible, check to see if your neighbours need help.
Make arrangements for care of pets or other animals, or take your pets with you when you evacuate.
Take three days’ supply of clothing, medicines and personal hygiene products.
If you are planning to go to the evacuation centre, take blankets/sleeping bags, pillows and sleeping mats.
Find out where to turn off the electricity and gas.
Continue to listen to a local radio station for updates.
Never drive ride or walk through floodwater
For emergency assistance telephone the NSW SES on 132 500
For comparative purposes, the flood in March 2012 was 10.55m at the Iron Bridge. Three weeks ago it peaked at 10.4m.
Nichole Richardson, Lachlan Region Controller, says the flooding is expected to be at 1990 levels except this time the catchment is already saturated.
The SES is urging people to monitor the Bureau of Meteorology and SES communications and prepare.
If you can help fill sandbags, go to the SES headquarters on the corner of School Road and Farnell Street between 10am and 3pm.