Major flood warnings issued for regional NSW as wild weather continues to batter state

Severe thunderstorm warning for almost entire state except far west as Lismore cops 200mm of rain

• Sea snakes may be lurking in foam covering storm-lashed Australian beaches

A major flood warning has been issued near Grafton on the New South Wales north coast as heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms batter much of the region.

In Lismore the State Emergency Service received about 100 calls for assistance in just a few hours on Wednesday afternoon, after the regional city received more than 200mm of rain. The calls included at least 10 rescue requests, prompting the SES to warn people to avoid the city centre.