Hundreds of people in NSW call for help during intense flooding as 12 people rescued

Emergency services in NSW have responded to more than 800 calls for help and rescued 12 people from floodwaters in the past 24 hours, with major flooding expected to continue across parts of the state.

Parts of Singleton and the Upper Hunter were ordered to evacuate overnight amid predictions an approaching flood peak would place lives at risk, but the area narrowly avoided the deluge overnight.

Major flooding in Gunnedah and Wee Waa in southern NSW led to the SES receiving 300 requests for assistance yesterday, with emergency services carrying out multiple flood rescues overnight.

While there were no reports of property inundation or flood rescues, large swathes of farmland had been inundated and some roads cut off, and residents remained on high alert.

While conditions have eased, more rainfall and unsettled weather has been predicted in coming days, with communities bracing for major flooding on Sunday.

While the area avoided major flooding overnight, the SES in an update on Sunday flagged major flooding at Gunnedah and Wee Waa, with flooding also expected a Narrabri.

River levels are Gunnedah are approaching a peak near 8.60m – higher than the flood level of 8.2m experienced last Wednesday.

Flooding has also occurred along the Namoi River at Wee Waa, with the area expected to remain above the major flood level for the next week.

Major highways in parts of the state have also been closed down due to rising water levels, including The Castlereagh Highway between Coonamble and Gulargambone, The Kamilaroi Highway between Boggabri and Gunnedah and Walgett and Narrabri.

Singleton Heights resident Aimee Chick captured stunning vision of the rising floodwaters over the weekend.

While there had been relief in the air on Sunday, she said most residents were still on watch.

“There’s been some great support all ‘round to get animals and family out,” she told news.com.au.

“Also really good presence and preparation of emergency services this time around compared to the 2007 floods.”

The SES warned major flooding was expected Narrabri and Boggabri over Sunday, as flood water moved downstream from Gunnedah.

The Peel River at Tamworth Rd Bridge was also experiencing major flooding.

The state emergency service flagged major flooding was likely at Goondiwindi on Sunday evening after persistent showers resulted in rainfall totals between 40-70mm overnight at Macintyre and Dumaresq, with close to 110mm at Booba Sands.

Further rainfall forecast later on Sunday and early next week is expected to exacerbate flooding further.

It comes after the SES on Saturday evening told residents around Singleton to evacuate.

“Once flood water begins inundating the area road access water, sewerage, power, phones and internet may be lost,” the SES said.

“If you remain in the area you will be trapped and it may be too dangerous for SES to rescue you.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet pleaded with residents to heed flood warnings and not risk driving through flood water after a dozen people were rescued.

“Our volunteers are on the frontline putting their lives at risk to keep everyone safe,” he said.

Emergency services Minister David Elliott said there had been 12 flood rescues in the past 24 hours.

“That’s unacceptable. It puts the lives of those rescue teams at unnecessary risk and it also puts your own lives at risk.”

- Additional reporting by Angira Bharadwaj.