A minor to moderate flood warning has been issued for the Hunter River at Muswellbrook and Denman.
The State Emergency Service said minor flooding was expected at Scone and Muswellbrook early Thursday morning, with moderate flooding possible later Thursday morning.
Minor flooding is also possible at Denman Thursday afternoon.
It comes after heavy rainfall has been recorded across the Upper Hunter and Goulburn River catchments since Wednesday afternoon. Further storms are expected over the next few hours on Thursday.
Flows from the Goulburn River are expected to contribute to river level rises at Singleton and downstream from Friday.
Forecasts for locations downstream of Denman will be issued when upstream peaks are observed.
The Kingdon Ponds was expected to reach the minor flood level (3.20m) early on Thursday and rise through the morning to potentially cause moderate flooding.
The Hunter River at Muswellbrook was expected to exceed the minor flood level (7.20m) on Thursday morning and potentially reach the moderate flood level (8m) late Thursday morning.
The Hunter River at Denman may reach the minor flood level (6.50m) Thursday afternoon.
Across the Upper Hunter low lying rural properties and roads may be affected
At Scone and surrounding areas:
- Possible isolation of Sator due to road closures
- Main Merriwa to Scone road may close
At Muswellbrook and surrounding areas:
- Possible closure of New England Highway at rail overpass at Maitland Bridge Street
- Possible isolation of properties along Wybong and Kayuga roads
- Muswellbrook to Sandy Hollow road may close
At Denman and surrounding areas:
- Possible inundation of low lying rural areas
What you need to do:
- Do not drive, ride or walk through flood water
- Farmers on low lying land close to rivers and creeks are urged to monitor livestock, pumps and other equipment. Waste and chemical containers should be located well above predicted flood levels.
- Residents of low lying areas near the river should keep an active watch on the flood waters.
- Keep in contact with your neighbours.
- Consider impacts of possible road closures on work, family and educational commitments
- Monitoring emergency warnings and severe weather updates on local ABC radio, NSW SES Hunter Facebook Page and Bureau of Meteorology website
- If you live in a low-lying area and are advised by an emergency services officer to evacuate, please do so
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
