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National

Four homes inundated in Gunnedah as Namoi River recedes from higher than expected peak

Residents of Gunnedah in north-west New South Wales are assessing the damage from a flood at the weekend which surpassed expectations, with more rain forecast this week.

The Bureau of Meteorology initially predicted the Namoi River would peak at the major flood level of 7.90 metres, but it instead rose to 8.16 metres early Sunday morning.

The State Emergency Service said at least four homes were inundated.

"I'm sure they'll be very happy to see the water receding from around their properties," SES spokesman David Rankine said.

"We can give some assistance with clean up there if needed."

Mr Rankine said SES crews performed almost 30 flood rescues across the state over the weekend.

"All but one I think were people who made the willing decision to drive through floodwater around road closed signs."

Major flooding continues downstream at Wee Waa, and parts of the town could be isolated for several days.

But the floodwaters were not expected to breach the town's flood levee.

Further flooding possible

Helen Kirkup from the Bureau of Meteorology said north-west NSW could expect a short respite from rain.

"We've got two days of pretty much dry and sunny weather, but then more rainfall expected on Wednesday," Ms Kirkup said.

She said forecasters would discuss the situation with hydrologists "to try and see what this next lot of rainfall is likely to do".

Gunnedah Shire Council's Director of Infrastructure Jeremy Bartlett said the flood damaged "a significant portion" of the shire's road network.

He said the council was doing its best to repair affected roads before any further flooding in the coming days.

"[We are] prioritising repair works and then getting ready for what may come a little bit later on in this week," Mr Bartlett said.

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