Travellers are likely to have some itinerary changes to their trips as floods cut off roads and isolate towns in a pattern that feels eerily similar to last year. As the rain set in, Western Plains locals are already reporting flooding horror stories. 

On Wednesday night, patrons of Albert’s Rabbit Trap Hotel were enjoying their happy hour when water began to flow in, inundating the hotel’s accommodation. 

Rabbit Trap Hotel owner Terri Wilson said they’d received around 100 millimeters of rain over the week.

Patrons didn't let the water ruin a night out. (Supplied: Rabbit Trap Hotel)

“Caravaners are literally in the middle of the road because the caravan park got flooded as well, so they’re all lined up in the middle of the street,” Ms Wilson said. 

With roads closed in most directions, caravaners have been forced to let waters subside before continuing west. 

Meanwhile, Ms Wilson is getting to work ripping up carpet and tending to the hotel’s flood damage. 

“On Wednesday morning at about two or three o’clock in the morning, we were all underwater…I’ve heard that the last time that happened was about 30 years ago,” Ms Wilson said.

Serious rescues in the region

Local damage has extended far beyond the pub, however, with several serious flood rescues carried out across the week.

NSW Rural Fire Service helicopters have been assisting the Lachlan region, conducting food, fodder drops and flood rescues. 

Yesterday afternoon, the helicopter was used to relocate a family into Tullamore after their home was cut off by flood waters. 

A local family was relocated after their home was isolated by water. (NSW RFS)

The Trundle area also saw 18 requests for assistance and four flood rescues yesterday (Thursday, 22 September), according to NSW SES Southern Zone Incident Controller, Benjamin Pickup.

"The water is now starting to recede around the (Trundle) township itself, but over the land remains a lot of water around the community," Incident Controller Pickup said.

As of yesterday afternoon, the Lachlan River was continuing to rise at Condobolin Bridge and Euabalong, with major flooding expected by the end of September. 

Towards Warren, major flooding is likely to continue for several days, with the Macquarie River recorded yesterday at 9.43 metres and steady, with major flooding. 

The SES reported a serious flood rescue, where a car floated away in flood water on the outskirts of Warren. 

“The driver started to drive through the flood water when their car got pushed off the road and almost completely submerged,” the NSW SES reported. 

Since the flood event began, the SES has conducted 49 flood rescues and received 543 requests for assistance across the state. 

Rivers continue to rise

The Macquarie River is continuing to rise at Gin Gin Weir, where it has been recorded at 10.81 metres. 

Minor flooding is occurring in the Castlereagh River at Mendooran where it peaked at 5.04 metres yesterday. River levels at Gilgandra are continuing to rise, and was last recorded at 4.18. 

The Namoi River is rising at Bugilbone from 5.93 metres with moderate flooding. 

Minor flooding is occurring at Peak Hill from the Bogan River after peaking at 3.47 metres, and is steady at 3.21  metres at Nyngan. Moderate flooding is possible at Nyngan

Minor flooding is occurring along the Darling River at Bourke. The Darling River at Bourke may reach around 10.70 metres during Friday with minor flooding.

Minor flooding may occur along the Barwon River downstream of Collarenebri to Walgett. The Barwon River at Walgett may reach the minor flood level (10.50 m) during Monday.

The Darling River at Bourke may reach around 10.70 metres during Friday with minor flooding.

The Darling River at Louth may reach around 10.40 metres 30 September into 01 October with moderate flooding.

The Darling River at Tilpa is may reach around 11.00 metres around 7-8 October with moderate flooding.

The Tullamore flooding feels familiar to late last year's flood events. (NSW RFS)

With more flooding expected, SES Western Zone Deputy Commander Josh Clarke said preparation is important for vulnerable areas.  

“If your property has previously been affected by flooding or your access to your property has been affected…we’d really encourage people to take the necessary precautions in preparing for potential isolation,” Deputy Commander Clarke said. 

“So stocking up on those medications and food staples to ensure that if they are caught off guard, they are prepared.”

Locals and visitors should check local councils information for road closures and take care to avoid flood waters.