Fast-rising floodwaters coming down the Darling River have prompted evacuation orders for the Menindee township and surrounding low-lying areas in the NSW far west.
The NSW State Emergency Service on Thursday issued an emergency warning for residents to leave by 10am on Friday before evacuation routes are closed by flooding.Â
People are being urged to stay with family or friends, or find alternative accommodation in areas safe from the rising waters.
Those unable to find accommodation can go to an evacuation centre at the Menindee Community Centre.
"If you remain in the area, you may become trapped without power, water, and other essential services. It may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you, and buildings may not be able to withstand the impact of flood water," the warning said.
A community meeting was held at Menindee Town Hall on Thursday evening.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises that rapid water rises to 10.7 metres, above the 1976 record level, are expected at Menindee Town from early Saturday morning, with major flooding likely in the town during Friday morning.
Flood operations are being conducted by WaterNSW at Menindee Weir and, subject to inflow conditions, the release levels may be extended further or increased during the first week of January, which may lead to further rises at Menindee Town.
The SES warned that people planning to stay at their properties may become isolated for several weeks until mid-January.