NSW floods live updates: More than 700 rescued and 50,000 isolated as flooding intensifies in Mid North Coast

There are 167 SES warnings currently in place for the flood zone in NSW.

If you need help, the NSW SES  phone number is 132 500.

Call triple zero if your life is in danger.

Here’s a list of all the warnings at emergency level as of 7:50pm AEST:

You can see the complete list on the Hazard Watch map here.

Earlier we heard from NSW SES chief superintendent of state operations Dallas Burnes on ABC News Channel.

He urged flood evacuees to stay patient as emergency services assess the safety of areas across the state.

You can watch his full interview here:

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Insurance Council of Australia CEO Andrew Hall says flood survivors should lodge a claim as soon as possible.

He was on News Channel earlier this evening, you can watch his full interview here:

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Fire and Rescue NSW is helping out with flood efforts. (Supplied: Fire and Rescue NSW)

Fire and Rescue NSW have answered calls for assistance.

They’re sending additional specialist crews to help out with the flood response along the impacted coast.

This includes four new land-based strike teams being sent to Coffs Harbour from Sydney and the Central West.

Firefighters are also heading north to carry out “rapid damage assessments”.

Fire and Rescue NSW’s aviation team is also dispatching drones to help with the assessments and food and medical drops.

They’ll also send a “bulk water transfer unit” to Kempsey to help disperse large volumes of floodwater.

“Rest assured Fire and Rescue NSW is in the field to help,” Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said.

“There is a lot of experience, special qualifications and expertise that our crews are bringing with them.”

In a beautiful display of unity, Taree locals are gathering in the town’s CBD to begin the long flood clean-up:

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Tow truck driver Greg Hennessey has been working hard. (ABC News: Claire Simmonds)

Tow truck driver Greg Hennessey has so far pulled out 20 vehicles stranded in floodwaters.

“There’s about 20 vehicles we’ve recovered, one at the moment which is a B-double up on Lowanna Mountain, we’re in the process of recovering,” he says.

Drivers are being reminded to stay safe on the roads. (ABC News: Claire Simmonds)

Mr Hennessey is pictured here loading up a four-wheel drive which had driven into floodwaters north of Glenreagh on Orara Way.

He has reminded people to stay safe on the roads.

“Floodwater, it’s dangerous, don’t drive through it. Just drive slowly, even though there might not be signs up,” he said.

Essential Energy’s Head of Operations Brendon Neyland says his team is currently working to restore power to around 4,000 customers.

Watch the full interview here:

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A body has been found at a property on the flood-affected Mid North Coast, NSW Police say.

While yet to be formally identified, the body is believed to be that of a man in his 80s.

Earlier on Wednesday, a concern for welfare was raised for a man after he could not be reached for several days.

A shed was reportedly on fire at the Cooplacurripa property, about 50 kilometres north-west of Taree.

Police say emergency services could not access the property by road due to flooding and landslides.

Meanwhile, due to severe weather conditions in the area, air crews were also unable to access the property until earlier today.

Police officers on board a helicopter arrived at the property at about 1pm, with officers locating a body in a burnt-out vehicle inside the shed.

Police have started investigating the man’s death, with specialist forensic officers to examine the scene.

A man who has been missing since Wednesday night has been found and is reportedly in good spirits.

The man failed to return home after walking near a flooded roadway at Nymboida, about 40 kilometres south of Grafton.

Officers attached to Coffs-Clarence Police District, NSW SES, RFS and FRNSW attended and searched the area; however, they were unable to locate the man.

The search resumed in daylight hours on Thursday and on Friday with the assistance of NSW SES, RFS and FRNSW.

Shortly after 5pm, officers attended a property at Kangaroo Creek — approximately 12km from where the man was last seen — following reports he had been located by members of the community.

The 49-year-old man was sighted by police and will be assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

He is reported to be in good spirits.

Police wish to thank all volunteers and specialist officers who assisted with the search, as well as the media and local community.

Hi Sammy,

Thanks for reaching out. I hope you are safe and well.

Bega is an area where residents are advised to stay informed about predicted possible minor flooding on the Bega River overnight.

The Bega River at Bega North is currently at 1.20 metres and rising, but still below the minor flood level of 4.60 metres.

There are currently no emergency level warnings for Bega.

We will keep you posted if that changes.

Hi Leenie,

GIVIT has been contracted by the NSW government to manage donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by the disaster.

They are directing those who want to help to this GIVIT page to find out exactly what’s needed.

We’ve also reported on St Vincent de Paul Society NSW launching its NSW Flood Appeal.

The charity organisation says funding will go toward distributing immediate aid, such as food, water, sleeping bags, along with emotional support and financial relief.

The NSW SES advises evacuees around Tuggerah Lakes to stay with family, friends, or alternate accommodation in areas unaffected by flooding.

An evacuation centre has been set up at Diggers The Entrance, 315 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty, NSW, 2261.

The NSW SES is directing people in the following areas to evacuate now due to dangerous major flooding:

Tuggerah LakeBudgewoi Lake Lake Munmorah

You must evacuate now because evacuation routes may be cut.

The Bureau of Meteorology reportsTuggerah Lake at Long Jetty is currently at 1.31 metres and rising slowly.

The Tuggerah Lake at Long Jetty may reach near the major flood level of 1.60 metres overnight and into Saturday.

Two new emergency warnings have issued for Chittaway Point and Tacoma South.

Residents in these areas are told to move to higher ground due to dangerous major flooding.

SES NSW says you should immediately go inside a sturdy multi-storey building with access to upper levels, or higher natural ground such as a hill.

“Move as high above ground as possible,” it says.

“You may now be trapped without power, water, and other essential services and it may be dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you.”

Don James says the kangaroo tried to hold him under water. (Supplied)

An altercation with a buck kangaroo has led Don James to warn others to be cautious on the North Shore of Port Macquarie where people are leaving their cars on high ground.

Kristy Lees saw the whole incident unfold on the Shoreline Drive as she was driving past.

“It leapt at our car and then tried to come at the car,” Lees said.

“Then it saw Don about 30 metres away … and they got into an altercation.

“They started punching each other — the kangaroo started punching him.”

James stepped into the floodwater and said it tried to hold him down.

“I just remember being under water and kicking and screaming and carrying on!” he said.

“Pretty traumatic for a while there,” he said.

Kristy Lees says the kangaroo leaped in front of her car. (Supplied)

Local wildlife rescue FAUNA’s Kym Kilpatrick said when animals are distressed — which they would be during a flood event — and perceive a threat they can demonstrate unusual behaviours.

“We would ask that people be cautious in their approach, put their safety first and foremost and use PPE [for a rescue] like gloves and mask,” Kilpatrick said.

“There’s a lot of bacteria with all the flood waters carrying many contaminants.”

She encourages people to call FAUNA on (02) 658 141 41.

St Vincent de Paul Society has launched the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal to support people who have been impacted by flooding.

The charity organisation is seeking financial donations to provide immediate assistance to impacted people, as well as longer-term recovery support.

“This flooding is devastating and a further blow for communities already impacted by previous natural disasters,” it said in a statement.

“The most effective way to support communities impacted by flooding is through financial donations to the Vinnies NSW Flood Appeal.

“The damage caused by severe weather makes the transportation of goods challenging at this time and financial assistance enables us to respond to their individual needs.”

As flood waters recede over the coming days, Vinnies members and volunteers will be present in recovery centres distributing immediate assistance with grocery vouchers and financial relief.

Members will also be conducting mobile outreach through their Vinnies Vans to affected communities that are unable to reach recovery centres in-person.

This aid will include food, water, sleeping bags, sanitary and hygiene packs, along with emotional support.

Vinnies homelessness hubs, including the Matthew Talbot in Newcastle and Pete’s Place in Coffs Harbour will be providing shelter, food, clothing and other basic supplies to people experiencing homelessness in the region.

Clybucca farmer Kurt Latham sent in these pics from his property, which has been hit by floodwaters:

A fox seeks refuge on the roof of a flooded tractor. (Supplied: Kurt Latham)Cattle stranded in floodwaters. (Supplied: Kurt Latham)

And we’ve just received another Watch and Act warning for Upper Thora and Darkwood.

NSW SES advises people in this area to prepare to isolate due to predictions that the Bellinger River will rise.

It says you may be trapped without power, water, and other essential services, and it may be too dangerous for NSW SES to rescue you.

It’s predicted the Hunter River will continue to rise. (Hazard Watch)

While some emergency warnings have been downgraded, some Watch and Act warnings are coming into effect.

Duckenfield, Millers Forrest and Woodberry Swamp are told to prepare to isolate due to predications that the Hunter River will continue to rise.

Meanwhile, the following three areas are advised to not enter floodwaters due to current minor flooding:

Kempsey and surrounding areasCroki and surrounds BellbrookBulga and surrounds

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has expressed deep sadness at the loss of life and widespread destruction from the NSW floods after she was briefed in Canberra’s National Situation Room.

“The scale of the disaster is distressing, with lives and livelihoods already lost. Homes, small businesses and farms have been inundated,” she says.

“The professionalism and dedication of our emergency services personnel, as well as thousands of volunteers, is embodied in their rescue of Australians from roofs and in the steady thrum of dinghies giving safe passage to the vulnerable.

“I am also proud of the efforts of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Public Service and New South Wales Public Service. These committed public servants are working overtime to support our frontline responders, and ensuring timely support to those in need.

“We are all proud of these great Australians and it is right that their service is recognised.

“In a reminder of the cruelty of our country’s climate, these floods come as many Victorian communities are enduring a devastating drought.

“The Australian people are tough. As always, we will respond and rebuild, but we must also prioritise enhanced resilience to help withstand the increasing frequency of these events.”