Forbes floods: Lachlan tipped to peak late Tuesday

Lachlan River levels at Nanami are now higher than 2016 flood levels, with the peak still to come.

At 7.30pm on Monday, the river had reached 12.43m at Nanami and was expected to peak overnight. According to NSW Water, it was "steady" at the time.

The river is expected to reach the moderate flood level in Forbes on Monday and into Tuesday, and the major flood level Tuesday night heading into Wednesday.

At 7pm on Monday it was at 9.33m, within the minor flood range.

Predictions of the peak and of downstream impacts will be firmed up once the peak at Nanami is observed.

An evacuation warning does remain in place, with SES volunteers reaching out to community members who could be impacted.

"Our community have been through floods before and we know how to prepare," Mayor Miller said on Monday.

"We are working closely with our emergency services to ensure everyone in our community is prepared for the floodwaters to peak on Wednesday.

"Floods do however behave differently each time they occur with the most recent flood in 2016 seeing water move towards the south of the Lachlan River.

"This affected rural areas more so than town itself when compared to previous floods.

"We just need to be prepared no matter what the circumstances and I feel confident our amazing SES and emergency services will be able to handle the situation.

Mayor Miller said wonderful local community members had stepped up to help especially with sandbagging.

"Sandbags are available from the SES Depot and they are always looking for volunteers to help fill the bags as well," she said.

"When the time comes some houses will be asked to evacuate and we ask the residents to register with the Red Cross to ensure you are safe."

Flood water is now impacting roads - and is expected to impact more - and it's absolutely imperative that people do not drive into flood water.

For major roads go online to www.livetraffic.com

Local road closures can also be found on Forbes Shire Council's website.

The Forbes Town Hall, Concourse and Council Chambers will be the Emergency Operations Centre during the flood emergency. For more information please contact Council on 02 6850 2300.

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