Port Macquarie-Hastings head lifeguard James Turnham said it is too dangerous to enter the water.

“We have made the decision to close both Town Beach and Flynns Beach due to the severe and rough conditions,” Mr Turnham said.

“Town Beach in particular we closed due to the sheer amount of debris which will be leaving the river and churning the water near the beach.

“Flynns Beach we have closed purely because of the hazardous conditions.”

Mr Turnham also stressed that under no circumstance should people enter the water today.

“We always advocate swimming at patrolled beaches but with them closed today it is just not worth the risk of going in,” he said.

Read More: Major flooding predicted

Marine Rescue Port Macquarie unit commander Greg Davies echoed lifeguards call for people not to go in the water.

“We have seas at 5-6m and the bar is really messy so we are advising people not to go out on the their boats,” Mr Davies said.

“Even fishing in the river is not advised given the debris which will be under the water – it is not worth the risk of going out and getting into trouble.”

Weatherzone meteorologist Jacob Cronje said that overnight rainfall has been quite significant in the region.

“The last 24 hours to 9am today, in Port Macquarie 84mm of rain was recorded, 241mm was recorded at Mt Seaview and at Kempsey 145mm of rain fell,” Mr Cronje said.

“Moving forward it is looking like the heavier rains will be north of Kempsey but Port Macquarie can expect 5-15mm of rain to fall over the next 12 hours.

“The Bureau of Meteorology also has flood warning for most of the major rivers on the Mid North Coast.”

However he also said the rain and cold weather will not last.

“By Sunday in Port Macquarie it will be sunny, with temperatures in the high 20s and feeling very humid.”

At this stage the only road that is closed is the Oxley Highway at Long Flat but there is water over the road on Houston Mitchell Drive.