About 350,000 people are on high alert as floodwaters rage on the north coast of NSW.

Thousands of people have spent the night in evacuation centres while the Wilsons River drops after peaking at 14.4 metres.

26 evacuation orders have been issued in NSW.

If you are concerned about a loved one’s whereabouts in the NSW floods call: 1800 227 228

Residents in South Ballina have been told by NSW SES it is too late to leave and to seek higher ground immediately.

NSW Emergency Services Minister Steph Cooke told Ben Fordham the situation can escalate very quickly.

“Please prepare to leave at very short notice.”

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Robyn Emerson, a Brisbane local and wife of 4bc host Scott Emerson has rescued a family friend from the floods in her canoe.

Robyn told Jim Wilson she saw a Facebook post and that caused her to go out.

“They’re in good spirits.”

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With the entire house becoming a swimming pool, Jess and her husband Thomas climbed the roof with her cat and two dogs.

Jessica Baishont detailed the events to Jim Wilson, “We thought we were safe”.

“I called dad and was crying.

“We were so distraught thinking about the dogs.”

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Aiden Rickett has rescued about 15 people from floodwaters on his dinghy.

He told Ben “people are pretty much shell-shocked.”

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Grant Smith, Owner of Two Mates Brewing Co, had to punch through the tin roof of his warehouse to escape the floodwaters.

Once he got out he helped save his 70-year-old neighbour, Ruby.

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Keerrong Valley.

Listener Nicky told Ben her 75-year-old father was stuck in water up to his collarbone on a second storey floor.

“They spent the last five hours … to have their faces basically pinned to the ceiling because that was the only breathing space that they had.”

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Lismore local John Zorzo was trapped on his roof for about seven hours as floodwaters rose around him.

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Image: Nine News