The Namoi SES reissued warnings at 4.30pm yesterday saying there was a 70 per cent or greater chance of local and main river flooding at Nundle and Tamworth.

A BoM flood watch remained in place for the Peel and Namoi rivers for last night and this morning, as forecasts for moderate to heavy rain (about 60mm) remained highly likely. The bureau issued severe weather warnings late yesterday for the entire North West Slopes and Plains and Northern Tablelands, and renewed a flood watch for the lower Gwydir Valley, including the Horton, Gwydir and Mehi rivers. It was along the Peel River where concern was highest, due mainly to a saturated catchment and already spilling Chaffey Dam yesterday. “The area has already experienced good rainfall over the past few weeks,” SES reports said.

“If heavy rainfall occurs, local roads may close and driving conditions could become dangerous.”

Tamworth Regional Council closed Burgmanns Ln early yesterday morning, and Somerton Rd was cut once again at the Peel River in Somerton. Both are expected to be closed for several days.

By late yesterday Tamworth had received just 25mm of a predicted possible 60mm for the previous three days.