Heavy rains and the resulting floodwaters in Queensland last week had begun to spread into New South Wales causing rivers in the Far West to rise.

On Sunday the Bureau of Meteorology renewed flood warnings for the Barwon River at and downstream of Mogil Mogil as a result of major flooding in the Culgoa and Moonie river systems in Queensland.

Yesterday morning the height of the Barwon River at Mogil Mogil had risen to 8.45 metres which was above major flood levels.

At Mungindi the level of the Barwon had fallen slightly to 6 metres but was expected to rise again later this week. Moderate flooding at Bourke was expected from late March into April.

Flooding has also caused properties in the New Angledool, Lightning Ridge, Grawin and Cumborah areas to become isolated as floodwaters rise.

Flooding in the area is a result of the flooding in the Narran River in Queensland and is expected to exceed the levels of the April 1990 floods.

The SES has warned that Lightning Ridge, Grawin and Cumborah areas will become increasingly isolated with numerous local roads closing as a result of the floodwaters.

The SES has advised people in the affected areas to stock up on foodstuffs, medication and essential items.

On Saturday morning SES volunteers instructed residents of Weilmoringle and the Goodooga Reserve to evacuate to safer areas.

According to the SES these communities will be isolated by the floodwaters within the week.

Residents of Goodooga were advised to evacuate by the evening of March 16 and Weilmoringle residents were advised to evacuate by March 18.

SES operations controller Tony Casey said the early issue of the evacuation orders would allow people to act early to protect their properties and make personal arrangements to evacuate.

“The forecast flooding is likely to cause significant damage to homes and will pose a threat to the residents if they wait too long before they evacuate,” he said.