Rainfall occurring from 14 February 1863 resulted in the Macleay River rising quickly and by 16 February the water level was 19-20 ft above its ordinary level at East Kempsey. Large trees, driftwood and debris rushed down the river and inundated crops, sheds and residences, isolating many homes. Twelve people fled the area in a boat and nine subsequently drowned.
On 23 February, further north in the ranges between Queensland and New South Wales, torrential rain brought huge volumes of water down into the Clarence River. The police barracks at Tabulam were completely submerged then washed away. A local policeman was drowned after being trapped in the flood waters.