The weather system that lashed the Hunter on Wednesday has moved further north, leaving a trail of destruction.
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The State Emergency Service received more than 500 requests for assistance across the Hunter Region. More than 200 of the calls reportedly came from the Lake Macquarie area.
Flooded roads, stormwater damage and water in buildings were the main jobs for the SES on Wednesday.
ROADS AND TRAFFIC
Several roads remained under water across the Hunter including (updated at 2.30pm March 22):
- Old North Road, Rothbury and Lovedale Road, Lovedale (at the via duct) remain closed
- Weir Road, Barnsley remains closed
- Berrys Bridge on Pinebrush Road, Dungog
- Fosterton Bridge - Fosterton Road, Dungog
- Thalaba Bridge at Alison Road, Dungog
- Myall Creek Road is closed to heavy vehicles at Ryan's Bridge
Email news@theherald.com.au to let us know about the roads in your area.
BEACHES
All beaches patrolled by Newcastle City Council lifeguards, except Stockton, are closed due to heavy seas.
Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths are open but bathers are asked to abide signage and talk with lifeguards if unsure about the conditions.
All Lake Macquarie beaches are also closed due to the dangerous surf conditions. Our lifeguard service advises the community to avoid all coastline areas.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
Dungog high is closed, along with Dungog Public School and Dungog Preschool.
EVENT CANCELLATIONS
Due to this week’s severe weather and heavy rain, a number of events scheduled to go ahead at Lake Macquarie parks this weekend have been cancelled or moved.
The Lake Macquarie Farmers Market and Art Bazaar at Speers Point Park have been moved, Movie in the Park at Toronto and our Lake Macquarie Family Week live site at Belmont are off.
FLOOD WATCH
A minor flood warning remains in place for the Paterson and Williams Rivers (updated 2pm March 22).
Williams River: Minor flooding is current along the Williams River at Dungog and Mill Dam Falls.
The Williams River at Dungog peaked at 6.79 metres early Thursday morning with minor flooding. River levels are easing with minor flooding continuing.
The Williams River at Mill Dam Falls peaked at 7.01 metres around 11am Thursday with minor flooding. River levels are easing with minor flooding continuing.
Paterson River: The Paterson River at Gostwyck Bridge is expected to remain below the minor flood level.
Flood Safety Advice:
FloodSafe advice is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For emergency assistance call the SES on telephone number 132 500.
For life threatening emergencies, call Triple-0 immediately.
WEATHER WARNING
A trough is directing very moist and unstable onshore winds bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Mid North Coast and to the parts of the Hunter.
In the Hunter rain is expected to ease during Thursday morning.
Some locations are likely to receive more rain on Thursday, including Nelson Bay, Dungog and Yarrowitch.
Since 9am Wednesday Tocal has recorded 124 mm of rain, Williamtown 122 mm and Maintland 109mm.
Dungog recorded 68mm in one hour from 4.10am to 5.10am associated with thunderstorms.
The State Emergency Service advises that people should:
* Don't drive, ride or walk through flood water.
* Keep clear of creeks and storm drains.
* If you are trapped by flash flooding, seek refuge in the highest available place and ring Triple-0 if you need rescue.
* For emergency help in floods and storms, ring your local SES Unit on 132 500.
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