Residents in the central west town of Forbes are carrying out last minute preparations ahead of the Lachlan River reaching a flood peak tonight.

Hundreds of residents in regional New South Wales have been told to evacuate as authorities expect floodwaters to inundate towns across the state.

Nine News reporter James Wilson told Ray Hadley the river is expected to hit 10.8 metres, in line with the historic 1952 flood.

“If that happens, 500 homes could be affected.

“There are already some businesses inside the Forbes CBD which have water coming in, it’s expected to get a lot worse throughout the day.”

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Photo: Nine