Residents across north-western and central New South Wales are bracing for floods this Christmas, in the wake of Cyclone Laurence.
The State Emergency Service says it expects Bourke, in north-western NSW, to be one of the first towns affected by the predicted heavy rain and floods. The Bureau of Meteorology says rain and thunderstorms are likely across most of the state today and heavier rain, causing flash flooding is likely this evening.
The bureau is expecting more than 200 millimetres to fall between Bourke and Bathurst today and on Boxing Day.
A flood watch has been issued for the Castlereagh, Bogan, Lower Namoi, Lower Macquarie, Barwon, Paroo and Warrego rivers.
Residents are being warned to stay clear of creeks, storm drains and causeways.
SES Far West region controller Graeme Craig says based on the weather forecast, Bourke could initially experience minor flash flooding.
"There is a risk with that amount of rain that there could be some minor flooding inside the levee," he said.
"I don't expect the river to actually come into play in the early stages of this operation.
"There's not a great deal that we can do pre-emptively and proactively to mitigate the risk of the water coming into these properties on the basis that that water could actually accumulate in any area within the shire."
There are 100 SES volunteers on standby to help respond to the predicted flooding.
SES commissioner Murray Kear says the volunteers are well prepared.
"A line between Bourke and Bathurst is the area the SES is planning for," he said.
"We have 100 volunteers ready to mobilise on Christmas afternoon to move to those areas predominantly north of Dubbo to assist local volunteers in preparing for and responding to this flood event."
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is urging people to avoid back-country travel until conditions improve.
For emergency help in floods and storms, phone the SES on 132 500.
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