Forbes and surrounding rural areas flooding

ISSUED

23 Dec 2025, 03:57 AM

NEXT UPDATE

As the situation changes

NSW State Emergency Service

The NSW SES advises people in the following area(s) NOT TO ENTER FLOODWATER due to current inland moderate flooding:

You should monitor the situation as it is constantly changing. Avoid floodwater for your safety.

The Bureau of Meteorology advises the Lachlan River at Forbes Iron Bridge is currently peaking around 10.36 metres, with moderate flooding.

Based on predictions from the Bureau of Meteorology, the following areas may be impacted by dangerous floodwaters:

If you have a Home or Business Emergency Plan, follow it. Otherwise, have a conversation and plan for what you will do and take with you if you need to evacuate.
Consider the consequences of road and bridge closures and water over roads and make alternate arrangements for work, children, and travel.
Plan your route carefully to avoid flooded roads and allow extra travel time.
Obey all signs about road closures and instructions from emergency services.
Avoid storm drains and pipes, ditches, ravines and rivers.
Never drive, walk, ride through, play or swim in floodwater - it is dangerous, toxic, and may void your car insurance. If it's flooded, forget it. Fines apply.
Share this information with family, friends, and neighbours and help others prepare where possible.
People working or camping along the river should monitor river heights and be prepared to relocate to higher ground.
Farmers should consider moving pumps and farm equipment to higher ground.
Companion animals and livestock should be relocated to higher ground that will not become an island.
People in areas likely to be impacted by flooding should raise their assets, including waste and chemical containers above expected flood heights.
If you are likely to be isolated due to flooding, stock up on essential items now.

Listen to your local ABC radio station which can be found at reception.abc.net.au
Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zones to get warning information for your areas.
Follow us on social media @NSWSES or visit our website at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Learn about your risk at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/knowyourrisk
Check latest weather, warnings, rainfall and river heights at www.bom.gov.au/nsw
Check road closures at www.livetraffic.com.au or 132 701 or your local Council.