Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in parts of Northern Rivers Forecast District.

Issued at 5:54 am Wednesday, 23 February 2022.
HEAVY RAINFALL LIKELY TO DEVELOP ACROSS THE NORTHERN RIVERS.

Weather Situation: A strong upper trough and associated cut-off low will move slowly eastward from central Australia towards the eastern seaboard into Thursday. A surface trough in Southeast Qld is forecast to slowly drift south towards Northeast NSW and deepen in response to this approaching upper weather system. The surface trough is forecast to remain slow-moving and produce periods of heavy to intense rainfall from later today and into Thursday.

HEAVY RAINFALL which may lead to FLASH FLOODING may develop north of Ballina later today and into Thursday. 6-hourly rainfall totals of 150 to 200 mm are likely.

Locations which may be affected include Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby, Byron Bay, Kyogle and Brunswick Heads.

The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue.
* Be aware that run-off from rainfall in fire affected areas may behave differently and be more rapid. It may also contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks.
* After bushfires, heavy rain and the loss of foliage can make the ground soft and heavy, leading to a greater chance of landslides.
* Stay vigilant and monitor conditions. Note that the landscape may have changed following bushfires.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.