ABOVE: Photo of a storm approaching west of the range in October. Photo: Susanna Freymark
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued and intense rainfall and damaging winds have been predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology. The warning was issued at 5.56pm today, March 25.
A humid and unstable airmass east of an inland trough is causing the severe thunderstorm activity. An approaching upper trough will enhance the thunderstorms today.
Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding over the next several hours in the Northern Rivers.
Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Byron Bay, Ballina, Casino and Kyogle.
59mm of rainfall was recorded in the 30 minutes to 3:45 pm at Rock Valley today.
There is a minor flood warning issues for Wilsons River and Richmond River.
Further rainfall is forecast for the Northern Rivers during the first half of next week.
This rainfall has the potential to cause continued and possibly increased flooding, depending on how the weather system develops.
The situation is being closely monitored and renewed flood watches and warnings will be issued where necessary.
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