Australia news live: Bridget McKenzie disputes Liberals’ claim on reason for Coalition split; NSW to get more rain and floods

Weather system now affecting parts of Northern Tablelands and Northern Rivers, bringing risk of ‘life-threatening flash flooding’. Follow today’s news live

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Thank you to Martin Farrer for kicking off the blog this morning. I’ll be keeping you posted from here. Let’s go!

The SES has issued a weather warning for NSW, saying “prolonged heavy rainfall” will continue in the mid-north coast and flash flooding is a risk for areas as far north as Coffs Harbour.

Prolonged heavy rainfall is set to continue throughout Thursday, as Mid North Coast communities remain on high alert for moderate and major flooding and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) members continue to respond to rescues.

Flash flooding will again remain a significant risk today for communities between Kempsey, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca.