The SES issued a flood warning for the Namoi and Peel rivers and a damaging wind warning is in place for parts of the Northern Tablelands.

From 9am Friday, June 17 to 5pm yesterday, Walgett’s rain gauges collected 47.8mm, followed closely by Tamworth with 45.4mm, Glen Innes welcomed 40.2mm, with Inverell recording 36mm.

Gunnedah and Armidale tied on the rainfall chart with 20.2mm each, with Moree welcoming 19.6mm and Narrabri 18.6mm.

At the other end of the  of the charts was Woolbrook, showing falls of just 6.6mm, Guyra received 6mm, Quirindi 2.8mm and Tenterfield just 1mm.

It was a strange experience for visiting donkey, Matilda, who is only 18 months old and isn’t used to the downpour the region received at the weekend.

She appeared to enjoy the rain and was intrigued by puddles as she toured the area, pushing for more protection for koalas in the upcoming federal election.

A low pressure system expected to develop off the Illawarra coast last night was predicted to move quickly south and deepen over eastern Bass Strait this morning, causing a strong westerly airstream over NSW today.

Damaging winds averaging 60 to 65 km/h, with peak gusts in excess of 90 km/h are possible over Scone, Armidale and Glen Innes from this afternoon.

The SES advises people to secure loose items around their homes, put vehicles under cover or away from trees and keep at least 8m away from fallen power lines or objects that may be energised, such as fences. 

Tamworth can expect more rain today with a 60 per cent chance of 1 to 10mm with a shower or two tomorrow and Wednesday there is a chance of a possible shower, with a medium chance of rain on Thursday, increasing to a high chance on Friday then back to a medium chance for Saturday and only a slight chance of a shower for Sunday.

The SES warned that the rain had the potential to cause river flooding as well as local flash flooding in the Peel and Namoi river valleys yesterday with falls heavy enough to possibly cause localised flooding in low-lying areas and cause small tributary creeks and watercourses to break their banks. 

Residents are reminded never to drive, ride or walk through floodwaters.