Coonamble and surrounding residents have been informed by the NSW SES to not enter flood water as minor to moderate flooding is predicted for the Castlereagh River on Wednesday afternoon.  

The Bureau of Meteorology released the minor to moderate flood warning to inform local residents that the main flood peak is approaching Coonamble. 

"Flooding eased at Mendooran where the river level has fallen below the minor flood level (3.30 metres) around Tuesday evening. The river level peaked at Gilgandra below the minor flood level (5.00 metres) Tuesday 15 November in the afternoon at 4:00pm. The main flood peak is now approaching Coonamble, where moderate flooding is possible Wednesday afternoon into the evening".  

At 12.44pm today the gauge at the Sir Edward Hallstrom Bridge in Coonamble showed 4.4metres. 

River levels are rising at the Sir Edward Hallstrom Bridge located in Coonamble as residents are asked to watch and act.

John Lewis, Interim Unit Commander at Coonamble SES is advising Coonamble residents to monitor the situation as it is constantly changing and avoid floodwater for personal safety.  

"The Castlereagh River is expected to reach moderate flooding levels late this afternoon. River peak times have been extremely difficult to predict due to the large amount of water already in the river system," Mr Lewis said.  

"We can predict river levels by analysing and learning from our flood and river water history. We watch river gauges coming downstream from Coonabarabran, Gilgandra and Gulargambone to predict where river levels will reach in Coonamble".  

"The Castlereagh River levels are expected to decrease overnight. However, the levels remained higher in Gilgandra for an extended four to five hour period. Coonamble residents should watch and act accordingly".  

Mr Lewis also advises locals to not drive in flood waters, due to bad road conditions.  

"Both sealed and un- sealed roads are in bad conditions at the moment due to constant rainfall. If the road is flooded, do not go near it- the water may not look deep on the road, however pot holes, road erosion and other damages could be present due to ongoing laying water, "Mr Lewis said.  

The Bureau of Meteorlogy has confirmed that no significant rainfall is forecast for the next few days and flood waters along the Castlereagh River and its tribituaries are being closely monitored and revised predictions will be provided if necessary.