Hunter residents are being told to brace for severe storms and possible flooding as catchments remain soaked after recent heavy rain.
Moderate flooding is expected in Singleton on Friday after Kingdon Ponds at Scone peaked just below the major flood level early Thursday morning. Scone river levels have since fallen below minor levels.
The NSW State Emergency Service made two flood rescues and attended 67 calls for assistance overnight on Wednesday.
As the flood waters move downstream, minor flooding is expected at Muswellbrook Thursday afternoon and will peak at Denman overnight with minor flooding.
The Hunter River at Singleton is expected to exceed the minor flood level Friday morning and rise to the moderate flood level overnight Friday into Saturday.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting severe storms in the Hunter on Thursday afternoon with the likelihood of large hail and damaging winds. The Bureau have also advised that these storms have the potential to develop isolated supercells with destructive winds within them.
With a wet catchment and the possibility of stormy wet weather on the way, NSW SES Deputy Zone Commander Joanna Jones urged residents to prepare their homes.
"While the sun is out, bring in or secure any outdoor items in the yard or on the balcony, check your gutters are clear and your roof is in good condition, trim any overhanging branches and put together a home emergency kit in case of power outages," Ms Jones said.
"Flash flooding is always a risk with severe storms. NSW SES urges residents and visitors to make smart choices when driving in the area.
"It's important that drivers slow down as roads may have floodwater, trees, branches or debris covering them. If you come across a flooded road, please turn around and find another way home."
Across the Upper Hunter low lying rural properties and roads may be affected.
At Scone and surrounding areas:
- Possible isolation of Satur 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
At Singleton
- Inundation begins of rural low-lying areas in and around Glennriding, Dunolly, Combo and Whittingham
- East Singleton may be impacted by minor road closures including: Dangar Road, Greenwood Avenue, Whitefalls Lane, Haggarty Lane, Netsfeild Lane, Kanoona Lane, Racecourse Lane
- Bridgeman Road Singleton may close 500m north of the New England Highway intersection
- All Riverside park access is closed
- Putty Road at Doughboy Hollow, Army Camp Road at Glenridding may close
- Possible overtopping of river at Scotts Flat area leading to the isolation of properties
- Inundation of low-lying properties in Doughboys Hollow and Whittingham
- Glendon cut off from direct access to Singleton; alternative route open via Sedgefield and Roughit Lane
