Thousands of people across NSW and Victoria remain on alert with 19 emergency flood warnings still in place across the south east states.
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The weekend may have brought a reprieve from the wet weather for many flood-soaked locations, but the rain has already returned in some parts of northern and western NSW.
Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Kona said a trough extending through NSW and Victoria will bring thunderstorm activity and showers.
"We're only looking at 5-15 millimetres in the next few days, but some might get 20-25mm," he said.
"Easter Victoria will have the heaviest rains and also the northern areas of NSW."
This weather system will last two to three days, with the potential for more rain on the weekend in NSW and central and southern Victoria.
Flood emergency in NSW
There are 16 emergency orders across the state, including in: Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Collarenebri, Tumut, Bourke, Moama, Cummeragunja, Mathoura, and Murray River Regional Park.
A further 64 areas are at Watch and Act flood alert, and 22 are at Advice.
During the past 24 hours there have been 13 flood rescues and 311 requests for assistance.
On Sunday, a second body was discovered at Bevendale, near Boorowa in the NSW Central West, after two men were swept off a ute driving through a flooded causeway on the evening of October 31.
The first body was discovered at 2pm on November 3, the second body at 11.15am on November 6.
While the bodies are yet to be formally identified, they are believed to be the missing men. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
IN OTHER NEWS
Flooding has peaked in Forbes, also located in the state's Central West, and aerial assessments indicate hundreds of homes and businesses have been inundated by water.
Schools in the town are non-operational until at least Wednesday, and a boil water alert is in place for many residents.
Assessments of the effect of floodwater on roads, electricity, sewerage and other essential services will be conducted before residents are allowed to return to their homes.
"We urge people to remain away from the emergency warning area until we advise it is safe to return," NSW SES Chief Superintendent Murphy told ACM's Forbes Advocate.
Meanwhile, Forbes has celebrated the safe arrival of one of its newest citizens after mum-to-be Mamata Pun Rama's water broke on Friday when she was cut off from the hospital by floodwaters.
A photo of the new mum, husband Chitra and baby Imaan has been shared with ACM.
The NSW SES advises focus areas for Monday, November 7 will be:
- Forbes on the Lachlan River
- Tumut and Wagga on the Murrumbidgee River
- Moama on the Murray River
- Collarenebri, Walgett and Lightening Ridge on the Barwon River
Keep up-to-date with flooding in NSW ses.nsw.gov.au.
Flood emergency in Victoria
Three emergency flood warnings are in place, with Kenley residents told to evacuate immediately.
Residents in Echuca and near Koondrook Primary School are warned it is not safe to return to these locations.
There are nine Watch and Act flood alerts in place, and 16 Advice alerts.
The Murray River at Echuca peaked at 94.98 metres on October 26, and while it is slowly falling it remains at 94.55 metres.
There is widespread flooding in the area and the river level is expected to remain above the major flood level of 94.40 metres until next week.
Keep up-to-date with flooding in Victoria at emergency.vic.gov.au.
Nadine Morton
I report on crime, emergency services and police matters. Email me on nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
