TAMWORTH is set to cop a drenching on Monday afternoon, after authorities issued a severe weather warning for the city.
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The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned Tamworth could be in for some heavy rain on Monday, which could lead to flooding.
The BoM has also put the river flowing through town on flood watch, with "minor to moderate" flooding expected to affect the Peel as rain buckets down.
The Gwydir River and Namoi River are also on "minor to moderate" flood watch.
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BoM meteorologist Helen Reid said local catchments are already quite wet, and the New England North West could expect another 50mm to 70mm of rain on Monday.
"There is the possibility of thunderstorms more likely today and we're expecting heavy rainfall to be associated with them, not so much the damaging winds and large hail this time," she said.
"It's just a very moist environment and all that moisture is ready to come down at once."
She said "anywhere" could be susceptible to flash flooding as a big band of rain moves across northern NSW, and if a thunderstorm "pops up" it could significantly increase the amount of rain that is dumped.
The severe weather warning for Tamworth, Gunnedah and surrounding areas includes advice for local residents.
The State Emergency Service (SES) said people should not drive or walk through flood water, should keep clear of creeks and storm drains, should seek refuge during flash flooding and ring Triple Zero if needed, and stay vigilant.
The BoM warned flood water or run off may behave differently than expected in areas recovering from bushfire.
For emergency help in floods and storms, ring the local SES unit on 132 500 or Triple Zero.
The flood watch for the Peel and Gwydir rivers asks locals to keep an eye on the latest updates and follow SES advice.
"This flood watch means that people living or working along rivers and streams must monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding develop," the BoM update reads.
Ms Reid said some dreary conditions could continue on Tuesday, but Monday will see the "tail end" of the rain event.
