The welcome rain overnight across many parts of the Hunter has prompted a warning from the Fire Brigade.
Newcastle Fire Command says they've received dozens of calls to reports of overhead wires attached to homes arcing.
They say the lack of rain due to the drought can cause the insulation to perish and crack, exposing live wires to rain, causing them to break and fall.
NSW Fire and Rescue is urging residents to stay at least 10 metres away from fallen power lines, saying people can be electrocuted through the ground by close proximity to live wires.
Ausgrid is attending to more than 50 calls to arcing power lines.
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| Cracked insulation is causing power lines to arc in wet weather |
