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October 21, 2026

NSW SES advises people in Lismore and Bexhill to STAY INFORMED

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The NSW SES advises people in Lismore and Bexhill to STAY INFORMED about predicted rising floodwaters flooding on the Wilsons River.

You should stay informed by monitoring warnings issued by NSW SES on their website and
Facebook page, listening to your local ABC radio station, and checking the latest weather
information from the Bureau of Meteorology online.

What are we expecting?

The Bureau of Meteorology advises MAJOR FLOODING POSSIBLE AT LISMORE MONDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING.

Rainfall is expected to intensify over the Wilsons River catchment during Sunday afternoon.
River level rises have already been observed upstream of Lismore, including at Repentance, The Channon and Nimbin.

Forecast heavy rainfall is expected to cause further river level rises into Monday, with possible major flooding along the Wilsons River at Lismore Monday afternoon or evening.

Major flooding possible along the Wilsons River at Lismore.

The Wilsons River at Lismore (AHD) is expected to exceed the minor flood level (4.20 m)
overnight Sunday into Monday.

The river level is likely to exceed the moderate flood level (7.20 m) Monday morning and may reach the major flood level (9.70 m) Monday afternoon or evening. Further rises are possible with forecast

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters: Low lying areas and culverts and causeways.

What you need to do:

If you have a Home and/or Business Emergency Plan, review it now. Otherwise, have a
conversation and plan for what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures and water over roads and make
alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel.

Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.

Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in flood water – it is dangerous, toxic, and
may void your car insurance. If it’s flooded, forget. Fines may apply.

Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines, creeks, and rivers.

People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise their assets, including
waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights.

Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare
where possible.

If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now. Farmers should consider moving pumps and farm equipment to higher ground. The safest option is to evacuate as early as possible to avoid additional hazards. Do not wait until the last minute.

If you are isolated and require resupply, contact NSW SES on 132 500.

Contact your Local Land Services Office for rural animal and livestock assistance at
lls.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 814 647

For more information:

Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au.
ABC Northern Rivers, ABC North Coast 94.5FM, ZZZ FM 100.9 FM, 2LM 104.3 FM/900
AM.

Follow services on social media @NSWSES or visit the SES website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au

Learn about your risk at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/your-risk/

Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at bom.gov.au/nsw/

Check road closures at livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council.
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500.

In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

This is a Watch and Act level warning. The NSW SES utilises the Australian Warning System to warn communities about severe weather and flooding. Learn more about the warning levels at: www.ses.nsw.gov.au/warnings.



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