Homes and streets in Gwabegar were inundated by stormwater after receiving around 210mm of rain on the weekend, and multiple streets in Baradine have been closed as a result of flooding, with drivers urged to continue with care through the town.

The Western Plains can expect to continue to see ongoing impacts from the heavy rain that fell over the weekend in the region, causing road closures, flood warnings, and yet another pause to harvest efforts.

On Saturday November 20, rain around the region was varied. The highest falls were in Walgett which recorded 43.6 millimetres of rain overnight and at Baradine Forestry with 34.6. 

Wanaaring was happy to receive the 26 millimetres recorded at the local post office, after missing out on much of the recent rain in the region. On the same day, Pilliga recorded 22 millimetres with a smaller 15.2 millimetres recorded at Goodooga. 

Yesterday, Sunday 21 November, the rain continued to fall, with some local properties reporting over 100 millimetres across the weekend. 

Coonabarabran saw a further 55 millimetres fall on top of the 24 millimetres they recorded on Saturday, while another 23 millimetres was recorded in Walgett yesterday.  Coonamble saw a further 28.8 millimetres fall yesterday while Bourke recorded 31 millimetres in total across the weekend. 

Flood waters in Gwabegar from this morning (Image: Todd James Cutts)

Local councils around the district have announced road closures since the rain, with all unsealed roads closed in most shires, including Warren, Coonamble, Walgett, Gilgandra and the Warrumbungles.

The road closures will inevitably halt any trucks and heavy vehicles accessing properties for harvest. Councils have warned that drivers may be liable for damage they cause to the road if driving on it when closed.

Other major roads cut include the Coonamble Baradine Road at Baradine and the Purlewaugh Road from Coonabarabran. 

Gwabegar houses were infiltrated by flood waters more than ankle-deep. (Image: Todd James Cutts)

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) reported minor flooding of the Castlereagh River at Mendooran today, with the water continuing downstream through Gilgandra and Coonamble throughout the coming week. 

The Paroo River saw minor flooding in Queensland yesterday, with flood waters expected to arrive at Wanaaring next weekend. 

Minor flooding was experienced in parts along the Lachlan River over the course of the weekend, though flooding has eased following last week’s SES Emergency warning for Forbes residents to evacuate.

There are no current warnings for the Macquarie River. 

Rain is expected to continue into the week across the Central West Slopes and Plains area. Locals and visitors are urged to stay up to date with flood warnings and road closures, and to drive to road conditions.