SES prepare for heavy rain

After a cold start, Northern River residents enjoyed a superb winter’s day, including this local enjoying the new cycleway at Lennox Point. Conditions are expected to deteriorate over the weekend, however, with heavy rain expected .

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LOCAL emergency services are bracing for widespread heavy rain and possible flooding tomorrow and into Monday, with falls of up to 100mm expected.

The Richmond-Tweed SES yesterday issued a flood watch for the Tweed, Brunswick, Clarence and Wilsons/Richmond valleys, predicting a greater than 70% chance of moderate to major flooding developing from early Monday onwards.

“An approaching upper trough will bring rain along the North Coast late in the weekend where a surface trough is expected to deepen.

"The trough is expected to remain in place for most of next week and cause widespread heavy rain and flooding along the northern coast and adjacent inland,” the Bureau of Meteorology warned.

The bureau also issued a “significant weather” warning for north-east NSW, advising residents to keep an eye on forecasts and warnings.

“Our main concern is the potential for moderate to major flooding in the coastal river valleys from the Queensland border to Taree and in the Macintyre Valley, although at this stage it's too early to pin down exactly where the heaviest rainfall will be,” NSW BoM regional director Barry Hanstrum said.

Motorists and others planning trips are advised to regularly check the weather forecast and listen for radio updates when travelling in affected areas, or to consider postponing unnecessary trips.

Those planning to camp need to be mindful of where they set up, ensuring the site is not near a river or stream banks.

A spokesperson for the Richmond-Tweed SES said the service was making sure resources were in the right areas in the lead-up to the predicted heavy rain.

For emergency flood assistance contact the SES on 132500.

COLD SNAP

Winter has well and truly arrived on the Northern Rivers, with residents shivering their way through some of the coldest weather of the year this week.

On Thursday, daytime temperatures reached just 13.6 in Lismore, 14 in Ballina, 12.8 in Byron Bay and 14.4 in Evans Head.

On Thursday night/yesterday morning, the mercury plunged to 4.2 at Evans Head, 4.9 at Ballina, 5.7 at Lismore and 8.9 at Byron Bay.

Cold dry air and clear skies have contributed to the cold nights.

The cold conditions won't last, however, as moist air is heading our way.

Today's forecast for the Northern Rivers is cloudy with scattered showers.

Daytime temperatures should reach about 19.