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Satellite images reveal dramatic change after record dumping of rain

Satellite images have revealed the extent of flooding in and around the Northern Territory town of Alice Springs after its biggest daily November downpour in 20 years.

There was 100.2mm of rain on Wednesday, the highest for November since 2001 as wild weather battered large parts of the country.

There were weather warnings for every state and territory on Thursday.

The Todd River rose to dangerous heights this week. Source: Yaye's Cafe/ NTPFES
The Todd River rose to dangerous heights this week. Source: Yaye's Cafe/ NTPFES

The 196.2mm to have fallen so far in the month eclipses the previous record of 156 with 18 days to spare.

The torrential rain in Alice springs caused chaos, with widespread flooding as the Todd River burst its banks, blocking multiple roads and leaving some residents with no access from their homes.

One motorist was filmed being rescued after hours clinging to a tree in a desperate bid to evade the rising waters. His decision to drive across a flooded causeway was described by authorities as "utterly stupid".

These satellite images are just one week apart, with the latter (right) showing extensive expansion of the Todd River and Roe Creek. Source: Sentinel Hub/ Ben Domensino - Twitter
These satellite images are just one week apart, with the latter (right) showing extensive expansion of the Todd River and Roe Creek. Source: Sentinel Hub/ Ben Domensino - Twitter

Images and video show large swathes of land around Alice Springs uncharacteristically submerged by water.

And a remarkable satellite image from Sentinal Hub shared by Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino shows major swelling of the Todd River and Roe Creek, in stark contrast to an image he shared of the area one week earlier.

The image shows large bodies of water that were non-existent a week earlier emerge southeast of the town.

On Friday the rain cleared, offering respite to the area however residents were still being warned to avoid flooded areas.

Further flooding expected in NSW

Rivers around NSW are expected to flood in coming days after a wet week where several areas received more rain than they would typically record through all of November.

"The catchments are really saturated, the dams are full. That makes the rivers really sensitive," Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jane Golding said.

The SES responded to more than 300 requests for assistance in the past 24 hours, with the majority coming from the central west including Orange, Bathurst and Young.

Nine flood rescues were conducted overnight and into Friday morning, largely for cars in floodwaters.

"A lot of people after many months of lockdown have decided to hit the road. We ask them to be especially vigilant, we don't need you to put yourself at risk and we don't need you to put rescuers at risk as well," SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said.

The focus has shifted to the southeast of the state with rain predicted over the coming days.

With AAP

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