Hunter River is expected to reach 13.8 meters at Singleton this evening, just one meter from the overflow.
Singleton’s stormwater drains are already full, and the SES has issued an evacuation order today. Hundreds have fled the city, with many others cut off.
A secluded property in Hunter Valley on Thursday. Credit: New
In March, the Hunter River reached 13.15 meters, and although the heaviest rain has cleared the Hunter Basin, further increases in river level may prolong flooding.
Nearby, large floods are occurring along the Wollombi stream. The stream reached a high of 14.2 meters in the early hours of Wednesday near Wollombi and is slowly falling. As it stands, it’s at 12:48 p.m.
In Bulga, the stream is 9.1 meters, near its summit.
In Maitland, the river peaked at Belmore Bridge at 7.09 meters on Monday, but could reach 10 meters on Thursday if there is more rain as planned.