As of 7.45pm tonight, the river has surpassed the minor flood level of 92.8m AHD and is still rising.
VicEmergency said the river level is likely to peak around 95.8m (AHD) during tomorrow morning.
This level is higher than during the January 2011 floods.
VicEmergency said the peak will be prolonged due to elevated Murray River levels.
It said Echuca could be impacted any time on Sunday morning and reaffirmed earlier advice for people in parts of the town and Echuca Village to evacuate immediately.
Emergency services officials have spent parts of the afternoon door-knocking the homes of residents likely to be affected by floodwaters.
Leaving now is the safest option, before conditions become too dangerous.
Key points from the SES:
•Floodwater is dangerous - never enter floodwater.
•Check the VicTraffic website (traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au) for road closures and follow instructions from emergency services.
•Decide if you will evacuate if it becomes necessary.
•Floodwater is toxic - never play or swim in floodwater.
If you choose to leave:
•Remember to take your pets, mobile phone, spare clothes and medications.
• Travel to the home of family or friends who are in a safe location, away from flooding.
•Turn off gas and electricity at your home or workplace.
• Be aware of any road closures when you leave.
If you are travelling:
•Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around and find a safe alternative route.
•Be aware of road hazards including mud, debris and damaged roads or bridges.
•Floodwater is dangerous - never drive, walk or ride through floodwater.
If you stay or if it is unsafe to leave:
•Make sure you have enough food, drinking water, medications and pet food to survive for three to five days in case you become isolated.
•Use plugs, sandbags or household items to block toilets, sinks and drains to stop sewerage backflow.
•Lift it - move valuables and vital household items up on high surfaces, such as on top of tables, chairs, benches and beds.
You should stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings.
Emergency services may not be able to help you if you decide to stay.
Impacts in your area:
•Flooding above floor level of a single-story home is likely to occur in many locations.
•Widespread flooding of the area.
•Homes and towns are likely to be isolated.
• Some areas will be likely to lose services including power, water, sewerage and telephone due to flooding.
The NSW SES advised people in Moama’s Caravan and Tourist Parks to prepare to evacuate in a Watch and Act Warning issued at 6.52pm tonight.
People are asked to monitor the situation and prepare so that you can safely evacuate when instructed to do so by the NSW SES.
Where possible, you should prepare to stay with family or friends, or make other accommodation arrangements.
If you are unable to find accommodation, Evacuation centres have been set up at: Moama Recreation Reserve (Moama Pavillion) entry via, Kirchhofer Street.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) advised the Murray River at Echuca Wharf is expected to exceed the minor flood level (93.5m AHD), during Sunday.
The river level is likely to exceed the major flood level (94.40m AHD) from around Wednesday or Thursday and may reach around 95.00m AHD around October 20-23, with major flooding expected.
This level similar to the October 1993 flood event.
20°C