The search for an elderly man missing in floodwaters in the northern NSW town of Larnook will resume this morning, as the state is lashed by heavy rain.
Witnesses reported the elderly man's car was swept from a bridge on Martin Road at around 3.40pm yesterday.
He was then seen climbing from the vehicle and holding onto a nearby tree but was swept downstream a short time later.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter assisted emergency crews in their efforts to find the man.
The search was called off around 5.45pm yesterday due to poor light.
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Meanwhile, a month's worth of rain is expected to drench Sydney overnight, with motorists advised to avoid driving.
As of 10 o'clock last night, parts of the city received over 50mm since 9am on Wednesday. The monthly rainfall for August is 80.6mm.
Rainfall rates are expected to ease during the morning as the low moves east away from the New South Wales Coast.
The NSW SES warned motorists to avoid getting behind the wheel.
"Stay off the roads. If you do have to drive this afternoon ... don't drive or ride or walk through floodwaters," SES spokesman Ashley Sullivan said.
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The State Emergency Service is advising people to:
- Not drive, ride or walk through flood water
- Keep clear of creeks and storm drains
- If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring 000 if you need rescue
- For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500