Man missing in northern NSW floodwaters

A man is missing in floodwaters on the NSW far north coast as heavy rain and harsh winds lash the state.

The 72-year-old climbed from his car and clung to a tree after it was swept into Leycester Creek, near Kyogle, on Wednesday afternoon, before he was pushed downstream.

Police and rescue crews suspended a search for the man around 5.45pm due to poor light and will start again on Thursday morning.