Rescue workers on high alert

Motorists risk driving through floodwater at Bexhill near Lismore before the town is cut off again.

Jay Cronan

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THE SES remains on high alert with more rain forecast across the region in coming days.

Weather Channel meteorologist Felim Hanniffy said Northern Rivers waterways were already saturated and further rainfall, forecast to be as much as 25mm on Wednesday, could see further rises.

Tweed-Richmond SES region controller Simon Gregg said although further creek rises were expected major flooding was unlikely.

The concern related to flooding of low-laying roads and causeways, Mr Gregg said.

"People should not walk, run, swim, ride bikes or drive through floodwater," he said.

Mr Gregg said the SES would continue to maintain a high alert until the threat had passed.

The Richmond-Tweed SES has received 409 calls for assistance since Tuesday and conducted 33 flood rescues.

Four Rural Fire Service helicopters are currently based at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport and are assisting with the SES flood response.

On-shore winds and a moist northerly airstream was the cause of the current wet weather, Mr Hanniffy said.

Rain, easing to showers during the afternoon, clearing by early evening is forecast for today.

Yesterday, heavy vehicles and trucks continued to be diverted through Casino, along the Summerland Hwy, and Lismore, on the Bruxner Hwy, to Ballina in order to rejoin the Pacific Hwy after it became closed due to flooding near Grafton.