A small number of northern NSW residents were evacuated from their homes as heavy rain brought flooding to the region on Saturday, with a further deluge expected for towns surrounding the Bellinger River, near Coffs Harbour, over the next few days.
A coastal trough dumped more than 200mm of rain on parts of the Mid North Coast in the 24 hours to 9am on Saturday, including 203mm at Bowraville, 161mm at Bellingen, 156mm at Coffs Harbour, 152mm at Thora and 170mm at Bonville.
Residents in parts of Sawtell were asked to leave as a precaution when Middle Creek began to swell and inundated low-lying areas on Boronia Street. Six homes were evacuated, with residents later given the all-clear to return.
The rain raised the level of the Bellinger River but it was expected to remain below a minor level for the rest of Saturday.
