Hundreds of residents on the NSW mid-north coast have been forced to seek refuge in evacuation centres overnight as flash flooding pushes river levels to record highs.
Since the flooding began 19 evacuation orders have been issued along the state's coastline from Nambucca heads to Hawkesbury.
The SES evacuated all of Kempsey just before midnight over fears the Macleay River would burst banks.
Further south authorities are poised to enforce additional evacuation orders for the Hawkesbury Nepean region.
Residents in low lying parts of Penrith, Richmond and the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley in general should be prepared to evacuate if required.
Water levels along the Hawkesbury River are expected to reach record highs not seen since 1961 and authorities warn the worst could be yet to come.
