Flood risks in Queensland and thunderstorm warnings in NSW

As severe storms and heavy rain drenches large parts of the state, New South Wales residents are being warned of the possibility of flash flooding.

There is a severe weather warning for heavy rainfall in parts of the NSW Hunter, Central Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains and Central West Slopes and Plains Forecast Districts.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours.

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According to the Bureau of Meteorology, locations which may be affected include Orange, Mudgee, Bathurst, Walgett, Dubbo and Wellington.

There has already been flooding on the NSW mid-north coast, with heavy rain from Port Macquarie all the way up to Tweed Heads.

A 1500m freight train derailed at Nana Glen, in northern NSW, following heavy rain and flooding throughout the region.

Containers were spotted early this morning in the yards of nearby farms and properties, some still submerged in floodwater.

One of the locomotives leaked up to 8000 litres of diesel at the site.

Fire and Rescue NSW said by midday the spill had been stemmed and the flood water was not contaminated.

The driver of the train was safely removed from the train and assessed by NSW ambulance paramedics.

In nearby Corindi a truck was trapped in floodwaters after hundreds of millimetres of rain fell in the area overnight.

Emergency services have warned communities to prepare before the severe weather hits this afternoon.

"We saw intense weather hit pockets of the north and western parts of the state, last night, including Tamworth and Coffs Harbour," SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said.

"This is the type of weather we will potentially continue to see for the rest of storm season."

"It is also important that you move your cars away from trees and powerlines, clear your front and backyards of loose items, and check your gutters and downpipes for blockages."

A flood warning updated for the Orara River with moderate flooding current at Glenreagh.

Minor flooding is also occurring at Coutts Crossing in the Clarence Valley with conditions expected to worsen during the afternoon.

Mr Storey also stressed the importance of people avoiding driving, swimming or walking through flood waters at all times.

"It doesn't matter how experienced a driver thinks they are, or if they think their car is capable – do not attempt to cross it."

'Flooding rainfall' possible in Queensland

Further north in south-east Queensland a warning is currently in place for the Central Highlands and Coalfields and Central West due to a slow moving cluster of heavy thunderstorms.

Meanwhile a tropical low is expected to develop in the northwestern Coral Sea, which could lead to flooding rainfall to northeastern parts of Queensland, according to Weatherzone.

The tropical low has the potential to lead to a significant weather event, although model uncertainty is high with respect to how this system evolves over the coming days.

A possible scenario is that the system remains slow-moving near the northeast coast of Queensland, leading to a prolonged spell of heavy rainfall in this area.

- With Weatherzone