Up to 225 millimetres of rainfall has been recorded during the past 36 hours to 8:00 am Sunday over the Lower Macleay River valley.
Further rainfall is forecast for the next 12 hours.
As a result the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted that the Macleay River will exceed the minor flood level of 4.50 metres Sunday afternoon, with the river at Kempsey likely to reach 5.2 metres Sunday evening.
The Bureau have also predicted that the Macleay River at Smithtown is expected to reach the minor flood level of 3.00 metres around midnight tonight.
The Macleay River at Bellbrook peaked at 5.30 metres around 07:00 am this morning.
As a result flood water may start to impact low lying areas, roads, bridges and causeways in and around Kempsey and the lower Macleay.
Should river heights continue to rise residents need to consider the impact of potential isolation.
The NSW SES recommends the following actions:
Impacted residents should be aware of possible isolation that could affect their work, family and educational commitments
If your property is at risk of inundation, please raise moveable items, such as furniture, as high as possible onto benches or tables, placing electrical items on top.
If you live in a low-lying area and are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so.
Secure outside belongings and before leaving; turn off the power, water and take essential medicines and clothes with you.
Never drive ride or walk through floodwater
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500
Heights in the Macleay River as of 8:40am:
Location Height of River (m) Tendency Date/Time of Observation
Macleay River at Bellbrook 5.27 Falling 07:44 AM SUN 19/03/17
Macleay River at Turners Flat 6.34 Rising 07:10 AM SUN 19/03/17
Macleay River at Kempsey (AHD) 2.85 Rising 07:46 AM SUN 19/03/17
Macleay River at Smithtown 1.29 Rising 07:15 AM SUN 19/03/17
The SES is monitoring the situation. Keep listening to this radio station for updates.