Emergency services have been inundated with calls for help as heavy rain caused severe flash flooding across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens overnight.
Williamtown recorded the highest official rainfall, with 132 millimetres falling since 9.00am on Sunday.
However the automatic weather station at Tighes Hill TAFE recorded 142 millimetres, while the rain gauge at Nords Wharf Oval received a massive 184 millimetres since 9.00am.
The SES and Fire & Rescue NSW were called to 10 flood rescues in the space of an hour - 5 people were were plucked from two homes on Orlando Road at Lambton.
Newcastle Fire Command says 11 people including a child were rescued from a bus stranded on University Drive at Callaghan.
Terri Langendam from the SES says crews were run off their feet attending to calls for help.
"A significant number of jobs including 71 storm and flood-related jobs in Newcastle, 47 jobs in Lake Macquarie and around 10 in Port Stephens," she said.
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| Heavy rain caused severe flash flooding in Wallsend on Sunday night Picture: Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery |
