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There is widespread flooding in the Northern Rivers district of NSW and authorities have ordered people in the city of Lismore to evacuate as the Wilson River broke its levee overnight, AAP reports.

The entire Lismore CBD is inundated after days of unrelenting torrential rain and the Bureau of Meteorology says the Wilson River could peak at 13.5 metres on Monday night, meaning the city is facing its worst flooding in nearly 50 years.

“Flood levels are expected to exceed those seen in 2017 and may reach the 1974 flood level,” the BoM says.

A severe weather warning has been issued for the Northern Rivers and parts of the Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands.

There is flooding across the region, many roads are cut and the State Emergency Service is warning people to heed warnings and avoid entering floodwaters.

The BoM is warning of the potential for life-threatening flash flooding with six-hourly rainfall totals between 80-120mm likely, possibly reaching in excess of 150mm.

The Richmond River is causing major flooding at Kyogle, Coraki and Bungawalbyn, moderate flooding at Woodburn, and minor flooding at Wiangaree and Casino.

South Murwillumbah has also been evacuated as roads are cut and the only way out is by boat.

The SES ordered the town of Mullumbimby to evacuate on Monday morning as the area is threatened by rapidly rising floodwaters from the Brunswick River.

Fire and Rescue and the State Emergency Service have been door knocking to ensure people evacuate.

Josh Frydenberg was asked if he believed the Russian president Vladimir Putin could turn the invasion into Ukraine nuclear.

He says it’s no secret that Putin may have ambitions beyond simply controlling Ukraine.

No one wants to see an escalation … but these are the dangers of the times and the insanity of what Putin has done … I’m worried there could be an escalation beyond the borders …

I’m worried that there could be an escalation beyond the borders and no doubt. That’s what other European nations or neighbouring countries are concerned about …

I don’t think it’s a secret that, I think it’s know that he’s got a greater Russia objective here.

Australia has again escalated our economic support of Ukraine, committing to buying lethal weapons to help them repel invading Russian forces.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is speaking to ABC radio about this now.

Just to get a sense of when will we find out the amount of money we’re committing to this issue … we’re working the details through you will find out probably today.

I mean, we’re going to start with an initial payment. It will be in the millions, and it’s not going to be the same sort of quantum that United States or the United Kingdom would provide but you know, where we can …

We’ve been very forthright in calling on the United States and European partners to remove Russia’s access to Swift, the international payment system which is so important is so important for Russian companies in Russian banks.

Good morning all, it’s Matilda Boseley here to bring you all the news updates this morning.

Of course, we have to start in Queensland where the death toll from the flood has risen to seven after a 59-year-old Carseldine man died at Fitzgibbon, a suburb north of Brisbane, on Sunday afternoon.

Police say he was trying to cross Cabbage Tree Creek on foot when he was swept away. Two witnesses raised the alarm and went to his aid but despite their best efforts and those of attending paramedics he died at the scene.

Major flood warnings are in place for areas from Gympie in Queensland to Grafton in northern NSW, as the intense rain storm moves south over the border.

While the rain has eased, Brisbane’s lord mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said that flood water is set to peak at 4m around 8am today, a full meter higher than yesterday’s peak.

At the moment in Brisbane, we have around 200 to 300 people in the evacuation centres.

In terms of SES calls, just yesterday, we had almost 1,000 SES calls for help … There have been a lot of lives saved already, but, tragically, still too many lives have been lost and that’s why we’re saying – stay away, stay indoors, stay safe.

Almost a thousand schools will be closed in 13 local government areas on Monday, and residents are being warned to avoid all nonessential travel.

Transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey says there will be significant road closures and limited public transport options across the region.

We’ve had to close parts of the Gateway Motorway, Ipswich Motorway, Bruce Highway, and dozens of major roads across south-east Queensland.

In some areas, including Lismore, even houses on stilts are flooding, with residents forced to shelter on their roofs and await rescue.

I’ll bring you more updates throughout the morning. Let’s jump into the day.