Body of pastor missing in floods found days after disappearance

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The body of a 53-year-old pastor, who was missing in floodwaters in northern New South Wales, has been found two days after he disappeared.

The man had officiated at a wedding rehearsal at Selah Valley Estate in Limpinwood on Saturday and was leaving in his ute when he crossed a swollen river about 9.30pm.

His car was swept away, just metres away from the bridal party who watched on.

READ MORE: Court packed at first hearing for man accused of setting woman on fire

The 53-year-old was leaving a wedding rehearsal last night when he made the risky crossing at Limpinwood, west of Murwillumbah in the Tweed.

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Emergency services found his ute about 400 metres downstream but could not find the pastor.

After days of extensive searching, rescue teams found his body about 1pm today.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner. 

NSW Police Inspector Matt Woods yesterday said the conditions had been extreme following torrential rain in the region.

READ MORE: Record-breaking rainfall as Cyclone Sean intensifies to category 3 storm off WA

A search is under way after a car was swept off a road by floodwaters in Limpinwood, NSW

Last week's deadly thunderstorms, torrential rain and destructive winds left rivers flooded and trees and powerlines down across the state.

One man was killed when a tree fell on his car in the Central West.

Another 143,000 people were left without power when about 73,700 lightning strikes hit within 100km of Sydney CBD, according to Weatherzone.

NSW SES responded to more than 3000 incidents. 

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