Flooding hits NSW Hunter Region

June 11, 2007

The Hunter region of New South Wales has been hit by flooding after a severe storm on Thursday. The towns of Singleton and Branxton have been the worst affected.

It had previously been feared that Maitland would be inundated as floodwaters were predicted to peak at levels above the city's levee walls, but when the flooded Hunter River peaked at 10.7 metres at midnight the threat was averted.

Around 5,000 people were evacuated in Maitland and all who reside behind the levee walls have been allowed to return to their homes. Emergency services personnel called on residents to be alert to electricity lines being down and to avoid the raging river.

Authorities have warned residents in low lying areas around Hexham of possible flooding, where the river is expected to peak at around 7PM. The threat is considered to be minimal.